Fi McEwan-Thompson

I am the Integrated Foundation Year Coordinator and Pathway Lead for the Society and Education Integrated Foundation Year at the University of Sunderland, which forms the first year of the Health and Social Care, Community and Youth Work, Childhood Studies, and Education Studies Integrated Foundation Year courses.

My research focuses on ADHD and its intersections, with particular attention to inclusive pedagogies, equity, and the experiences of neurodivergent learners within education systems. This research informs my teaching, curriculum design, and student-facing EDI work.

I coordinate and teach on the Integrated Foundation Year, supporting students to develop the academic skills, confidence, and knowledge required for a successful transition from level 3 to level 4 study. I bring extensive experience from the further education sector, including lecturing on Further Education and Skills pathways and developing an enhanced mentoring model for Durham Sixth Form Centre.

I deliver Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sessions primarily with students and apprentices, supporting them to develop inclusive awareness, professional values, and reflective practice.

I am an executive committee member of the Foundation Year Network and the founder of the Foundation Year North East (FYNE) network, which brings together foundation year staff from all five universities across the North East of England to share practice, scholarship, and sector developments. I am hosting the FYNAC26 conference at the University of Sunderland this summer.

I am committed to inclusive education that considers learners holistically and to enabling students to develop inclusive, reflective, and ethical practice for careers in childcare, education, youth work, and health and social care