Calling all Art Teachers / Creating an Art Network

Paul Cruz

Art and Design Teacher, Garden International School, Eastern Seaboard, Thailand

My name is Paul Cruz, I’ve been an art and design teacher for the best part of thirty years, mostly in the state system in the U.K. My international career started in 2019. I teach across Key Stage three, four and five at Garden International School, Eastern Seaboard, Thailand. Before coming to Thailand I taught G.C.S.E. ‘A’ Level art. The step up to I.B. Visual Art was certainly a challenge and continues to be as I reflect on my teaching approaches and enjoy getting to grips with the weighty expectations of the I.B. Diploma. I still really enjoy being in the classroom and imparting skills and knowledge about my subject and I’m always thrilled when students come up with something new and creative.

When I worked in the U.K. I was always part of a team in an art department. Colleagues popping into your room, sharing ideas and looking for support or reassurance was pretty much a day to day occurrence. There was always someone to turn to. As a natural collaborator who now finds themselves the only art specialist in the room, I am keen to reach out to the wider FOBISIA community. I absolutely love my school and enjoy being responsible for the art curriculum.

Having seen the collaboration and events offered through other FOBISA groups such as PE, Drama and Music, I am very keen to begin to build something similar for our subject. Whether you are like myself and working in a department of one, or from a larger school, I believe FOBISIA offers us a great opportunity to come together and and support each other, giving us a chance to share best practice, cross moderate and, in general build up the subject and opportunities we can offer.

I think there is an opportunity to support each other more, which is why I've begun to contact colleagues working at other schools within my province and Bangkok. Like me they are mostly working in isolation and would very much appreciate the chance to share ideas, share good practice, cross moderate exam work and ask for advice or simple affirmation that what they are doing is right and appropriate sometimes.

Does my experience hit a note with you? If so, let’s get together! If you would like to be involved and be part of a supportive network, please get in touch and let’s do something!

Complete the form here to give your details.

Hope to see many of you there!