Sarah Thomas

I am a highly motivated educator with a broad and highly skilled background in art and design. I am looking to take on a new challenge, and this is just the role I am looking for to further broaden my teaching and managing career. I have an MA in Fine Art Sculpture from the Royal College of Art and a PGCE PCET from the University of the West of England. My first role after gaining my PGCE was as Course Leader subsequently after just one year in the role, I was promoted to Deputy Programme Area Manager running 3 campuses and a large teaching team.    

I have worked within the wider creative industries for over 18 years and in education as both a teacher and manager for 15 years. I have excellent experience in facilitating a broad range of ages from primary to higher education and teaching varied curriculum's such as IB MYP & DP, GCSE, A Level, Foundation Diplomas, and degrees in a variety of educational settings working with a diverse range of international students. I set high standards and high expectations by promoting a growth mindset and intercultural understanding among my students to become successful innovators, creative problem solvers and global citizens who can build a better world.

My motivation and ability to meet challenges is evidenced in the opportunities and roles that I have had in my career thus far in the UK, USA, and China. I have worked with many students, parents, and colleagues whose culture I did not share and whose first language was not English. This challenged me to learn new ways to communicate, empathize and engage with others. As a dual national, an avid traveller and experienced expat, I consider myself to be a global citizen with a truly international outlook.   

I aim to be open to all sections of the community and to be a truly inclusive educator and manager providing a safe and positive environment where individual differences are respected, and where learners are treated solely on their merits. Pastoral and tutorial guidance is my strength and have formed a key element of my previous roles. I have worked with and supported both my colleagues and learners, providing a compassionate and supportive environment and ultimately equal opportunities. This is underpinned by my undertaking of several equality and diversity, safeguarding, and mental health training courses. I understand the importance of extra-curricular activities and encourage my colleagues and students to embrace all parts of school life.    

Whilst Deputy Course Leader at Beijing Academy of the Creative Arts I established a collaborative project working with my colleague Doug Bowen at the British Higher School of Art, Moscow. Which promoted cross-cultural working and exchange. This was hugely beneficial for my students, some of whom had little experience interacting with people from other cultures. During the first initial covid lock down, I continued to manage a teaching team of six who due to the Chinese NY holidays were spread across the globe in different time zones. The cohort at this time was 90 students, the largest cohort that BACA had ever had. I had to work from the UK from 3 am to 7 pm 6 days a week to ensure the successful delivery of the course. After the initial lock down there continued to be sporadic lock downs in China that were implemented without prior notice. I was able to meet this challenge and continued to support the teaching team and administrators to provide a successful course.     

I have a proven track record of being an active team member with strong communication and interpersonal skills, which makes me responsive and open to both learners and colleagues. I have an extremely adaptable and proactive approach with a positive ‘can do’ attitude. I have always found it very natural to fit into and build strong relationships within the workplace both as a leader and member of the team. I pride myself on my excellent time management and organisational skills, which means I can manage multiple tasks efficiently and successfully. I am extremely meticulous in my planning, yet I relish a ‘last minute’ challenge and face them head-on. Between permanent roles I have continued to work as a supply teacher. This has both challenged me to deliver subjects that are not my specialist area, as well as having to integrate myself quickly and effectively into new school structures and teaching teams.   

I have excellent subject knowledge and a real passion and determination to promote and deliver education that is both meaningful and sustainable developing independent, resilient, and responsible young people. My enthusiasm for art and design is infectious. Alongside my teaching career I have also shown a creative entrepreneurial spirit within my continuing industry practice. An invaluable experience that I share with my students.  

I enjoy creating a challenging yet welcoming, industrious, learner centred environment; where I encourage students with a personalised approach to engage fully and to create outstanding outcomes. I have a proven track record for supporting my students to achieve beyond what they thought was possible and to progress to some of the world’s best Art Colleges and Universities. In my previous role as Pathway Leader at Arts University Plymouth, I supported my students, many of whom had significant barriers to learning achieve outstanding grades which meant that in 2018 the college was chosen to become the standardisation grading centre for all UK institutions teaching the University of the Arts London qualifications in 2019.   

My motivation and ability to meet challenges is evidenced in the successes that I have had in my career thus far working in the UK, USA, and China. I have worked with many students, parents, and colleagues whose culture I did not share and whose first language was not English. This challenged me to learn new ways to communicate, empathize and engage with others. As a dual national, an avid traveller and experienced expat, I consider myself to be a global citizen with a truly international outlook. I set high standards and high expectations by promoting a growth mindset and intercultural understanding among my students empowering them to become successful innovators, creative problem solvers and global citizens who go on to make a meaningful and positive impact on the world.   

I have excellent subject knowledge and a real passion and determination to promote and deliver education that is both meaningful and sustainable developing independent, resilient, and responsible young people. My enthusiasm for art and design is infectious. Alongside my teaching career I have also shown a creative entrepreneurial spirit within my continuing industry practice. An invaluable experience that I share with my students.   

Where possible in my role as a creative subject lecturer I inspire my students by highlighting the connections between art and the world around us. Including historical and current anthropological perspectives such as social configurations, science, philosophy, and wider culture. I am aware of the technological advances taking place in the world and what impact this has on our young people. For this reason, I believe it is important to deliver a contemporary education that nurtures both creative problem solving and interpersonal social skills encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. I believe there is an even greater need for this especially after the covid pandemic.  

I employ a variety of structures and activities within my pedagogy in particular the Constructivist approaches which encourages learners to seek out knowledge and make sense of learning from their experiences. These include creating a class identity, clear goal and routine setting and peer to peer tutoring which develop social skills, improving teamwork, and establishing friendships. It is important for me to encourage this supportive ethos (e.g. seeking out and valuing students’ opinions and contributions; forging community links). I have also used mentoring schemes, artists/writers in residence, and visiting speakers with work-related expertise in projects that I have delivered. This encourages participation and engagement which I have found enhances self-esteem, emotional growth, and motivation helping students to overcome barriers to their learning.    

My inquisitive and creative personality has made me a lifelong learner; I continue to learn from taking part in several professional development activities including creative industry talks, education, and management seminars, all of which keep my professional and subject knowledge both current and informed. As an educator I always strive to make my teaching and resources dynamic, engaging, and industry relevant. I set an example to both my colleagues and students to be curious learners, actively promoting the value of hard work and a commitment to achieving excellence.   

I feel that I would bring a lot of professional energy, my high standards and a strong work ethic to this role.  

I have creative industry experience working as a freelance artist and designer. I also have extensive experience as an Artistic Director in commercial galleries and public events. 

I spent 7  years as a Chief Stewardess traveling the world on super motor and sailing yachts.  

I have a BA in Fine Art Sculpture from the University of Arts London and an MA in Fine Art Sculpture from the Royal College of Art. I also have a PGCE PCET from the University of the West of England. I have continued to stay up-to-date and informed about Safeguarding and teaching methods through consistent CPD training.