By Sarah Taylor, teacher of Art at Caxton College in Puzol

As both a practicing artist and a member of the school’s teaching staff, I have the privilege of bringing my passion for the arts directly into the classroom. In October 2024, I held my first exhibition in Spain right here at Caxton College. This was a particularly meaningful experience for me, as I had previously exhibited in cities across the UK including London, Leeds, Brighton, and Somerset, as well as internationally in Switzerland, but never in Spain. Since then, I have continued to build connections with galleries and local artists in Spain and internationally, and over the past year I have exhibited in Valencia, Madrid, and Alicante. These experiences allow me to bring a living, real-world perspective on the arts into my teaching.

In my classroom, I encourage students to use their imagination, their own ideas, and their unique perspectives whilst engaging with contemporary approaches. For me, art is more than a subject; it is a way of seeing, questioning, and interacting with the world around us. I guide students to explore their creativity with confidence whilst also developing the technical skills and critical thinking that support their growth. My classroom is a space where students’ creativity is encouraged and their individual perspectives are respected.

As an art teacher, the most rewarding moments come when my students begin to see themselves as creators, when they take pride in their work and feel confident enough to share it. I experience the same in my own practice, and I know first-hand that having the courage to share your work can sometimes be the hardest part. My aim is not just to teach art, but to nurture creative, curious, and resilient young people who are ready to shape the world around them.