Helen O'Donovan

My name is Ms. O'Donovan and this year I will be starting my sixth year at GEMS Metropole and my third year as the Head of the Visual Arts and Food Preparation and Nutrition Department. I'm from Cork in Ireland, however previously to working in Dubai I was an Art and Photography teacher working at a Performing Arts College in Kent for five years, post qualification.

During this time I have been teaching Art and Design to all year groups and Photography to KS4 and KS5. I was also a Form Tutor and the Peer Mentor Coordinator for the school resulting in some of the most rewarding moments in my teaching career to date.

I have a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from the CIT Crawford College of Art and Design, where I specialised in painting, drawing, textiles, printmaking and ceramics. I also have a Professional Masters in Art and Design Education from University College Cork.

Since moving to Dubai I have developed a love of travel, taking every opportunity to see new places and experience new cultures.

I am passionate about teaching Art and my enthusiasm grows with every year I teach. I make efforts to continue and develop my own education, with a belief that we are life long learners and there is always more to know. I am keen to establish and nurture a growth mindset in my students.

My teaching philosophy is heavily focused on the idea of treating 'failure' as a learning opportunity. I strive to instill a strong sense of resilience and independence in my students, while encouraging them to explore, experiment and discover.