Matt

After completing a degree in Illustration at Kingston University I ran a therapeutic arts group with adults suffering from a variety of mental health issues. I then went on to achieve a PGCE in Secondary Art Education at Oxford Brookes University. After a few years of teaching I made the decision to go back into art education and completed an MA in Fine Art Drawing. I have consistently maintained my art practice and also curated, exhibited and sold work.
I am currently working as an artist, teacher of art and art technician and live in Oxfordshire with my wife, two children and dog. Alongside my lifelong passion for art I enjoy: music, drumming, writing, books, walks in the country and swimming.

Availability: Monday - Thursday evenings 6-9pm.
Wednesday daytimes.
Weekends depending on availability.

Willing to travel: 12 miles

Experience: I have experience working with a diverse range of students. In my current teaching job at an international college in Oxford I teach students from all over the world with a variety of backgrounds and requirements. Classes tend to be small and I usually teach on a one-to-one basis.
Working as an art technician at a secondary school I continue to have contact with both secondary teachers and students. This means that I am kept up-to-date of any changes within the educational system and curriculum (KS3/4). Because of my experience, both as an artist and a teacher, I am often called upon to assist in the grading of student’s work.

Throughout my teaching career I have gained the ability to install confidence in students and deliver a range of teaching and learning styles to ensure the nurturing of creativity and thinking skills. I believe that it is through process, investigation and discovery that learning occurs.
I have strong knowledge of the work of other artists and designers and understand how to incorporate broad and appropriate contextual studies (theory/art history) into projects to support the teaching of practical art skills and the development of ideas.

- For KS3, GCSE and A-level:
After an initial discussion sessions will be tailored to the requirements of the student. If needed, I am able to provide clarity to the assessment objectives (skills students need to demonstrate), which can often appear quite daunting. Having a better understanding about the requirements and the variety of ways the assessment objectives can be met allows the student to utilize and embrace their individual skills in a creative way. Ultimately I aim to make the subject accessible and fun.

- For adult learners:
Sessions are tailored to the requirements of the student. In general a variety of techniques and approaches will be explored that will enable the student to become more confident in their abilities. Challenging, experimental and fun activities are available to help the student gain a fuller understanding of the process of looking, decision-making and mark-making. Depending on the amount of sessions and for more experienced students there is scope to discuss, explore, develop and refine existing ideas.

I consider myself to be: reliable, committed, analytical, hard working and easy-going.

As part of both my current jobs I am required to complete annual safeguarding and health and safety training. I am also DBS checked every year.

DBS Check: Yes