As a secondary school art teacher, my practice is rooted in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves and take creative risks. I believe that the art room should be a space of reflection, discovery, and self-connection—a place where students can momentarily step away from the noise of everyday pressures and fully engage with their ideas. Growing up, the art room was a quiet haven for me, and I try to recreate that same feeling of calm and encouragement for my own students.

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My teaching draws inspiration from bell hooks , who wrote about the importance of education as a practice of freedom. Also, my own previous art teacher who always had a positive presence and encouraged everyone in her own nurturing calm way. I want my students to feel empowered by their learning, to see that their perspectives matter, and that art can be a powerful tool for making sense of the world around them. I also like to integrate the ideas of Rudolf Steiner, whose holistic approach to education emphasises imagination, empathy, and the development of the whole person - intellectually, emotionally, and artistically. 

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In my classroom, I want exploration and experimentation to be central and to ensure students - whatever level they are at - can create. I introduce students to a wide range of materials and techniques while encouraging them to find their own visual language. Projects often centre around themes of identity, space, and social issues, allowing students to make meaningful connections between their artwork and the world they live in. I also prioritise peer collaboration and group discussion, as I believe this helps build a strong classroom community where all voices are heard and valued.

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Above all, I am particularly aware of the pressures young people face today, and I try to respond with empathy and intention. Whether we’re sketching quietly or constructing large-scale group pieces, my goal is for each student to leave feeling more connected to themselves, to their ideas, and to those around them. Through art, I hope to offer not just skills, but also a deeper sense of confidence, awareness, and self-expression that will stay with them long after they leave the classroom.