Athanasios Tsolkas

First and foremost, I am a qualified Art Teacher with 12+ years’ experience in UK and International Secondary and Higher Education and I possess two Degrees, a Certificate, and a Master of Arts. I am now completing on my Master of Research in History of Art at the University of Kent. I teach all the year groups since Reception.

Above and beyond my educational background I am a highly motivated and professional Art teacher and feel passionately that these subjects are of the utmost importance for student growth, and ability to self-express. It is important for me as an Art Teacher to work closely with SENCO and provide a comfortable and substantial lesson to all the students respecting their abilities.

I work in a collaborative fashion with students, ensuring the lessons follow my designed Scheme of Works whilst motivating them to engage to their optimum abilities. My extensive knowledge in pedagogical ethos and approaches is the glue that binds it all together. I am incredibly empathic with young people and understand their needs, issues, and interests. I have a sensor of humour which is an asset when working with different characters and certainly aides in maintaining their interest and concentration for the entire lesson.

I strongly believe that a teacher needs to commit to after school activities, field trips and visits. I also feel that a teacher is responsible to show respect to all students and staff and to be able to converse well with parents, even if having to deliver bad news. In conclusion, my philosophy in the teaching of Art is to improve students’ abilities to showcase their artistic skills whilst allowing them the freedom to express their individual personalities within their work, often resulting in an individual and interesting piece of art.

And, although my aim is to improve the critical thinking of my students, I always endeavour to boost their confidence and stimulate their imagination with collaborative, fun and educational lessons. If all of the above is successful there is nothing the student cannot succeed in Art.