What is your job role at Albyn?

Head of Art

Where was your previous role?

DP Coordinator and Lead of Visual Arts at an IB school in Kunming, China.

How long have you been a teacher for?

 12 years, one as a lecturer of Art in the prison service.

What got you into teaching?

Inspirational teachers…my History teacher was incredible and made the subject relevant to our lives as young people.  He was also an Extra in Braveheart!  My Art and Design teacher was unbelievably supportive and inspired me to go to Art School.  She made me want to become an Art Teacher to help support and inspire young people in the same way that she did for me.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Helping young people to understand the value of Art and Design and the Creative Industries, and to see the relevance of it in their everyday lives.  I take pride in inspiring my students to improve their skills and achieve their potential, and especially love when they choose to continue their Art education after school!

What are you most looking forward to about you teaching at Albyn? 

Meeting all of the students and the Albyn community and becoming an integral part of the school.  I am excited to bring fresh approaches to the Art Department and to work with the team to deliver innovative and enriching projects that pupils will enjoy and succeed in.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have two pugs (Squish and Peanut) and spend most of my time being entertained by them.  

I enjoy reading detective novels and classic literature and have an odd fascination with Human Biology and medical specimens, which I love to use as subject matter for my own artwork.  

I love to travel in my campervan and see different parts of the world, and enjoy traveling further afield during school holidays. Some of my favourite places that I have been to are Japan, Budapest and Nashville!  

Describe yourself in 3 words 

Quirky, passionate, creative