My professional experience…

My artwork has always been a response to the world around me. Since moving to Shropshire in 2014 I have been inspired by beautiful views of the local countryside and the surrounding Shropshire Hills. Inspiration also finds me at home… something as simple as a flower or a seed pod picked from my garden can sometimes be enough to spark a new piece of work.

I studied Contemporary Textiles at Cardiff University, then trained to become a teacher before teaching Art for 5 years at a grammar school in Bournemouth. I loved every moment. After relocating to Shrewsbury, I worked as an Art teacher in a F.E. College for students with learning difficulties… while the role presented a very different challenge, it was one that I embraced and I really enjoyed my time there.

For the last two years my time has been split between working on my art and raising my baby daughter. In short, I am passionate about art and passionate about learning.
Experience
2014 – 2015: Teacher – Derwen College (Oswestry)

  • Residential FE college for students with special educational needs, disabilities and challenging behaviour.

2014: Supply Teacher – Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Wales

  • Teaching a variety of subjects in a diverse range of schools including two months in a primary school covering a Year 6 class.

2007 – 2012: Art Teacher – Bournemouth School For Girls (Dorset)

  •    Five years experience and professional development in a facility rated by Ofsted as outstanding in all aspects.
2006 – 2007: Placement Experience (Gloucestershire & South Wales)

Central Technology College – April 2007 to June 2007:

Monmouth Comprehensive – Jan 2007 to April 2007:

Newent Community School and Art College, Gloucestershire – Oct to Dec 2006:

Elders field Lawn Primary School, Corse Lawn, Gloucestershire – Sept 2006:
2012 – 2013: Travelling Sabbatical (Central & South America)

After being inspired by the overwhelming diversity of landscapes, as well as the important role of art in the region, I kept busy working on my own artwork with a view to bringing my experience with me to my next professional appointment.
Education
2007 – 2008: NQT – Bournemouth School For Girls

2006 – 2007: PGCE – University of Bristol

2002 – 2005: University of Wales Institute in Cardiff

BA Honours Contemporary Textiles Practice (Upper Second)

2000 – 2001: Cheltenham and Gloucestershire School of Art and Design

Art Foundation (Merit)

1998 – 2000: Cheltenham Bournside School and Sixth Form Centre

A Levels

1996 – 1998: Cheltenham Bournside School

GCSEs
Courses
  • Makaton for Beginners (Derwen College) – 2014
  • Advancing Equality and Diversity (LSIS) – 2014
  • Safeguarding Education and Training Foundation – 2014
  • Nurturing Gifted and Talented Pupils in Art and Design – 2012
  • Creative Print Making (The Arts Institute Bournemouth) – 2012
  • ABC Model Making (The Arts Institute Bournemouth) – 2011
  • Emergency First Aid at Work – 2009 (Refresher in 2012)
  • AS/A2 Art: Understanding Assessment – 2008

References available on request