Graduate story: 'My school students inspire me to put theory into practice every day'

Stewart Clelland’s motivation to study a Master of Education in Critical Inquiry at UHI Inverness while teaching full-time was the knowledge that it would help his students succeed.

Gaining the qualification with distinction has also brought him success, as his dissertation on ‘Deconstructing Assessment: Exploring Power, Agency, and Resistance in Project-Based Learning’ has been published and he is now heading up an innovative teaching scheme as Principal Teacher of Project Based Learning at Banff Academy.

Stewart (40) said:

“I decided to undertake this degree because I wanted to deepen my practice and explore theory in a way that meaningfully connects with my day-to-day teaching. What inspired me most was the opportunity to continue my exploration of critical pedagogy, using the programme to reflect on how education can empower learners and challenge structures that limit their agency. One of the real highlights for me was completing my dissertation. The research I produced through that work has since been published, which was an incredibly rewarding outcome. Most importantly, it is now having a material impact on the work I do in school, shaping my practice and benefiting the learners I work with every day.”

Stewart valued the teaching and support he received at UHI Inverness, and the flexibility and adaptability built into the programme, which allowed him to fully engage with the course. It helped him develop a much deeper understanding of the wider theory surrounding education, not just in Scotland, but globally.

“Knowing the work I was doing could ultimately help my students succeed kept me focused and committed, even during the most challenging moments,” he said.

“They are the reason I wanted to deepen my understanding of education, and they continue to inspire me to put theory into practice every day. Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing this work, drawing on critical pedagogy and global perspectives to shape meaningful, future-focused learning experiences for young people.”