Neil MARSDEN

Neil Marsden is a creative technologist who has spent much of his career working in animation, advertising and television production.  His first computer was a Sinclair ZX80 that his Dad would bring home at weekends!  He soon progressed to a Tandy TRS-80 and first learnt to program in BASIC at the age of 10.  Currently working as the Head of Technology on a ground-breaking children's animated TV series he also continues to share his love of technology, programming and all things digital with students of all ages.  As an active STEM ambassador working closely with various schools and universities, Neil continues to further his passion for technology education.   

Keen to better understand how to enthuse and encourage students, in 2016 Neil qualified as a computer science teacher. Working in both main stream and special schools he discovered how to better teach computing in a classroom setting.   Using tools like Minecraft, Lego, game engines and "unplugged" (computer free) techniques he taught children about hardware, software, algorithm development, programming, binary systems, robotics and other computer science elements of the curriculum.  As a qualified teacher Neil holds a current, enhanced DBS certificate.

In his spare time Neil is an AFOL (Adult Fan Of Lego)   particularly digital Lego and Lego programming techniques.   He once made a model of Hastings Pier using digital Lego, that caught local people's imagination  and even featured in the local paper!

Currently he's working on a Python based Lego Minifigure Mosiac tool ...

And an online Lego rendering system...  

He writes about the highs and lows of his digital Lego experiences  on his blog - CultOfTheBrick - ​He also enjoys exploring areas of cross over between systems like Minecraft and Lego.   

Neil can currently be found playing Fortnite Battle Royale (badly!) and occasionally exhibiting his London cityscapes drawings in local art exhibitions.