Helen O Donovan

My name is Ms. O'Donovan and this year I will be starting my fourth year at GEMS Metropole's Visual Arts Department. I'm from Cork in Ireland, however previously to working in Dubai I was an Art and Photography teacher working at Brockhill Park 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.  

In my spare time I love to cycle and hike, especially along the coast when I am in Ireland. I also love to cook and bake, and I really enjoy trying new recipes. During lockdown I learned how to create digital drawings and now it is one of my absolute favourite things to do! 

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.