It's been a year since I first walked into the vibrant art department at Westbourne House School, and what began as a single workshop has blossomed into an ongoing relationship that continues to inspire me as much as I hope it inspires the students.
Last year's session with the Year 7 pupils remains one of the most memorable teaching experiences of my career. Their questions were searching and intelligent - from technical inquiries about colour creation to the wonderful moment when one student asked if they could spend all day drawing mythical creatures. (My answer: absolutely. Follow your passion - something extraordinary will emerge from it.)
What struck me most was the creative freedom evident throughout Mrs Jerram's art department. Students weren't simply learning techniques; they were genuinely experimenting with styles and mediums, developing their own artistic voices with remarkable confidence. This environment perfectly demonstrates my core belief: creative making leads to creative thinking, which transcends all subjects.
The impact of our collaboration exceeded my expectations. When the Year 8 Art Scholars and I worked together on A2 seascape canvases, every single student chose to include their piece in their art scholarship portfolios. That decision - made by the young artists themselves - speaks volumes about the value of giving children space to explore and create.
Mrs Jerram's generous reference highlights what makes teaching at schools like Westbourne House so rewarding. Her comment that the students were "incredibly lucky to have spent time with such a talented and caring individual" is humbling, but the truth is quite the opposite - I'm the fortunate one. Working with curious, engaged young people who are encouraged to take their creativity seriously is a privilege.
The school's commitment to showcasing professional artists through their guest gallery, coupled with opportunities for parents to engage with the creative process, creates a community that truly values art education. It's refreshing to work with an institution that understands art isn't merely extracurricular - it's fundamental to developing confident, creative thinkers.
As I prepare to return to meet the new cohort of Art Scholars, I'm reminded why this work matters. When we give young people permission to pursue their passions - whether that's mythical creatures, seascapes, or abstract explorations - we're not just teaching art. We're nurturing the next generation of creative problem-solvers.
Working with Schools Across the South
Over the past year, I've had the pleasure of working with several schools in the Chichester area, including West Wittering School and The Prebendal School, alongside my ongoing relationship with Westbourne House. Each school brings its own character and approach to art education, but they all share a commitment to nurturing young creativity.
“All children are born artists. The problem is to remain an artist as we grow up.”
This quote resonates deeply with my teaching philosophy. When I see students confidently experimenting with colour or producing portfolio-worthy work, I'm witnessing that natural artistic instinct being honoured and developed rather than diminished.
If you're a school in Sussex, Surrey, or Hampshire looking to enrich your art programme with visiting artist workshops, I'd love to hear from you. Whether it's inspiring younger pupils, guiding scholarship students, or creating exhibition-worthy pieces, I work collaboratively with art departments to support their curriculum and celebrate student creativity.
For enquiries about workshops, artist residencies, or exhibitions, please get in touch.
SKETCHING ‘EN PLEIN AIR’
