Katherine

I first developed a passion for Art and Design when I was at school in South West London. I wanted to go into teaching from a young age; to share my love of Art and to have a career that positively impacts young people and helps them to reach their full potential. After Secondary School, I studied an Art Foundation course at Epsom UCA and went onto study Graphic Design. I specialised in illustration (both hand drawn and digital) and print making. Alongside my studies I worked as a freelance Graphic Designer where I was commissioned to design for a range of companies and bands. I also worked as a librarian (part-time) for several years during my studies. During my degree I undertook work experience with the FA Graphic Design team at Wembley Stadium. I also volunteered at my local secondary and primary schools which cemented my desire to purser a career in teaching. I worked for a year as a cover supervisor and teaching assistant, where I covered a range of subjects, ran an after school art club and worked 1-1 with pupils with SEN. I went on to study Art PGCE at the Institute of Education in London (ULC). During my PGCE I worked as a team to organise and curate two exhibitions featuring my work and that of other students on my course.

In 2015 I became an Art and Photography teacher at Rivers Academy West London. After a year I was promoted to Deputy Co-ordinator for a pastoral house. I became Head of Art in 2017, I was able to develop and implement my own schemes of work, with the motivation of creating an inclusive and engaging learning experience for pupils.

My greatest achievements include: pupils exhibiting their work at Gunnersbury Museum, developing the Photography GCSE course from scratch and all pupils in Year 11 achieving or exceeding their target grade. I also helped Sixth Form pupils secure a place at their chosen university through supporting them with their portfolios and interview prep. After five years at Rivers Academy West London I moved to my current role as Head of Art and Digital Design at Ada Lovelace, a newly opened school in West London which is graded Outstanding. In my current role, I help pupils exceed their potential in both traditional and digital art practices.