Caroline Flinders

I am an experienced Art and Design teacher with over 13 years of international teaching experience across Early Years, Primary, and Secondary settings. I currently teach Cambridge KS3 and KS4 and serve as Secondary Safeguarding Officer. With a background in ceramics and professional photography, I bring strong technical knowledge and real-world creative experience into the classroom.

I am passionate about helping students develop both skill and confidence, encouraging thoughtful experimentation alongside clear structure and high expectations. I strive to create a classroom where creativity is taken seriously, individuality is valued, and students feel secure enough to take risks and grow.

Secondary Art Teacher & Safeguarding Officer at PBISS, The British International School of Samui (2017-09 – Present)

• Deliver the Cambridge Art & Design curriculum across KS3 and KS4, preparing students for external assessment and moderating coursework to examination standards.
• Design and implement structured, skill-based schemes of work that develop technical proficiency, critical thinking, and independent practice.
• Track attainment through formative and summative assessment, using data to inform planning and targeted intervention.
• Adapt teaching strategies to support EAL and SEN learners within a culturally diverse international setting.
• Curate and organise student exhibitions to celebrate achievement and raise the profile of the Arts within the school community.
• Manage departmental resources and maintain safe studio practice in line with health and safety requirements.
• Serve as Secondary Safeguarding Officer, responding to child protection concerns, liaising with leadership, and upholding international safeguarding standards.
• Lead extracurricular art clubs and enrichment activities, promoting creative engagement beyond the classroom.

Early Years Homeroom and English Teacher at Joy School (2017-03 – 2017-09)

• Delivered structured English lessons in phonics, grammar, pronunciation, and writing, using interactive strategies to engage learners with varying levels of English proficiency.
• Applied established schemes of work, adapting content to meet diverse ages and abilities.
• Conducted formative and summative assessments to monitor progress, maintain records, and place students appropriately.
• Created a positive, respectful classroom environment that supported confidence, engagement, and learner wellbeing.

English & Art Teacher at Angel Kindergarten (2014-09 – 2016-07)

• Planned and delivered play-based, inquiry-led Art and English sessions integrating storytelling, movement, and music to support early language development in a bilingual setting.
• Promoted confidence, verbal communication, and positive peer interaction within a secure and engaging classroom environment.
• Monitored progress through detailed records, identifying strengths and next steps to inform planning.
• Designed tailored kindergarten art programmes to develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness, and organised student exhibitions to celebrate achievement and build community engagement.

English Language Teacher at Aston English (2009-12 – 2014-05)

• Taught English to students aged 4–16 using the Aston English curriculum within a language-focused school environment.
• Used interactive games and practical strategies to support learners with little or no English in accessing lessons.
• Assessed students on entry for appropriate placement and conducted formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and guide next steps.
• Communicated regularly with parents regarding attainment, progress, and strategies to support learning at home.

Curriculum Support Worker and Ceramics Tutor at Hopwood Hall College (1992 – 2002)

• Provided technical support and practical guidance to students across Sculpture, Painting, and 3D departments.
• Prepared and organised studio spaces, maintaining specialist equipment and materials to ensure safe and efficient practice.
• Supported the installation and coordination of student exhibitions and end-of-term assessments.
• Assisted teaching staff with lesson preparation and demonstrations where required.

Mentor, refugee support programme at The Shamwari project (2007-01 – 2007-07)

• Mentored newly arrived refugees, providing culturally sensitive guidance and practical support during resettlement.
• Built trust-based relationships to help individuals set and work towards short- and long-term personal goals.
• Communicated effectively across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, adapting support to individual needs.

Photographer/Project leader at Raleigh International (2007-09 – 2007-12)

• Worked within a culturally diverse international team to deliver structured community and environmental projects.
• Coordinated group tasks in remote and physically demanding settings.
• Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and sound decision-making under pressure.

Freelance Photographer at Self-employed (2008-09 – 2009-10)

• Undertook commissioned photography work, managing project planning, image capture, editing, and client delivery to professional standards.
• Produced high-quality visual work under time-sensitive and high-pressure conditions.
• Applied advanced composition, lighting, and visual storytelling techniques across diverse environments.

News Photographer at Greater Manchester Weekly News Group (1999 – 2007)

• Produced editorial photography for print and digital publication.
• Covered current affairs, community events, and human-interest stories with professionalism and ethical integrity.
• Collaborated closely with editors and journalists to ensure accurate, timely, and visually compelling news coverage.

Black & White Photographic Printer at Medical Illustration Department, Manchester Royal Infirmary (1992 – 1992)

• Handled the development and finishing of black and white medical photographs, meeting exacting technical and institutional standards.
• Processed and developed film and darkroom prints to support clinical documentation, teaching materials, and archival records.
• Maintained strict confidentiality and adhered to hospital protocols while working with sensitive medical imagery.

Photographer at U.M.I.S.T University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (1992 – 1992)

• Photographed materials, laboratory processes, and experimental work within the Materials Science department.
• Provided clear and accurate visual documentation to support research and teaching.
• Worked directly with academic staff to produce imagery for reports, publications, and presentations.

PGCIE – The University of Derby (2021 – 2022)

BA (Hons) in Design: Ceramics – Staffordshire University (1994 – 1997)

Foundation course in Art and Design – Hopwood Hall College (1992 – 1994)

City and Guilds in Black & White Photography – Hopwood Hall College (1992 – 1992)

A-Levels in Classical studies, Biology, General studies – Oulder Hill Upper School

O-Levels in Maths, English, History, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Art, Drama, P.E., Business Studies, General Studies – Oulder Hill Upper School (1981 – 1986)