Stephen Smith

Teacher of Art & Design and Design & Technology

Talent

YorkMember since October 6, 2026

DraughtingGraphic DesignPhotographyAdobe IllustratorResistant MaterialsConstructionTextilesFoodEngineeringProduct Designhealth and safety

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DraughtingGraphic DesignPhotographyAdobe IllustratorResistant Materials

About

With six years of teaching experience across both Art and Technology departments, alongside a design career in the Film and Television industry. Committed educator with high expectations, focused on maintaining an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Experience

Teacher of Art and Photography - Leeds West Academy - Leeds, United Kingdom

(2023-09)

Teacher of KS4 Art and Photography to students with mixed abilities, including students with SEND needs.
Confident with developing tailored advice for individuals to develop successful output towards their coursework.
Planned and delivered KS3 art schemes that embed WAGOLL modelling and expectations that is inclusive for students of all abilities. Establishing high expectations in a calm and engaging learning environment.
Hosted KS4 interventions beyond school hours; including after-school sessions, and occasional intervention days for Saturday school and half-term holidays.
Experienced form tutor to a Y8 group, supporting with daily check-ins, behavioural guidance, and effective delivery of PSHE content.
Deliver adapted and supported art lessons in the alternative provision facility within the school. Nurturing disadvantaged students with positive reinforcement to obtain achievable goals in each lesson.
Contributes to wider school life, including CPD and daily duties. Assists with photography events in school, such as sports day and journalist visits.
Reason for leaving: Moving home to North Yorkshire, seeking a new challenge within reasonable commuting distance.

Teacher of Design Technology - Colne Valley High School - United Kingdom

(2021-09 - 2023-07)

Taught KS3 Resistant Materials and Graphic Design, along with KS4 Construction. Delivering both practical and theory-based lessons for students of all abilities.
Managed student assessment data, taking responsibility for all outcomes and identifying potential gaps to address with students in future lessons.
Maintained high standards of health and safety in the workshop. Educating and reminding students of routine factors when working with tools and equipment.
Delivered hands-on construction lessons, engaging with practical tasks including tiling, timber-frame building, whilst maintaining safety expectations with power tools.
Experienced form tutor to a Y9 group. Working close with families and students to maintain attendance tracking, equipment, and behavioural support.
Reason for leaving: Desired an opportunity to explore teaching avenues with art and photography.

SCITT Trainee for Secondary Design & Technology - Titus Salt Secondary School - United Kingdom

(2020-09 - 2021-07)

Completed SCITT teacher training, gathering experience in KS3 Resistant Materials, Textiles, Food, Art & KS4 Engineering and Product Design.
Developed strong adaptability to covid restrictions, creating engaging and informative lesson content that was delivered either remotely or in a non-workshop setting.
Recognised for calm and engaging lesson delivery, with the ability to produce well-structured and engaging resources.
Awarded the Tim Barker prize by Leeds Trinity University for recognition of the hard work and dedication I brought into my training.
Reason for leaving: End of the university course, placement completed.

Art Director - Freelance Art Director for Film and TV - UK

(2019-12 - 2020-03)

Worked as an Art Director for Sky Atlantic Sci-Fi TV series. Responsible for designing and over-seeing the construction process for dedicated sets as per the Production Designer's brief.
Produced detailed construction drawings and worked closely with the Construction Manager to oversee the design from concept to final build.
Managed complex projects under tight deadlines, whilst maintaining a level head under pressure.
Build an experience of mentoring and teaching for junior members of the department, providing support and advice. This transitioned into my desire to work as a teacher.
Reason for leaving: Coronavirus Pandemic. Redundancy.

Assistant Art Director - Freelance Assistant Art Director for Film and TV - UK

(2016-03 - 2019-12)

Worked as a freelance Assistant Art Director on a variety of productions across Yorkshire and the UK, this included ITV, Netflix, Channel 4, and BBC.
Created graphic design props using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, developing a strong understanding of typography, paper types, and relevant periodical graphic formatting.
Gained three years experience working with various art directors and manufacturers, learning properties of materials and applying effective finishes.
Reason for leaving: Promotion to Art Director.

Art Department Assistant - Freelance Art Department Assistant for Film and TV - UK

(2014-08 - 2016-03)

Developed foundational skills in a junior role in a art department. Learning how to work alongside construction teams and prop teams on a busy working production.
Worked for a year in the art department for Emmerdale at ITV in Leeds. Maintaining a respected reputation among colleagues in the studio.
Gained experience and an understanding of on-camera production requirements. Drawing and publishing studio set plans that assisted the production team with their planning.
Reason for leaving: Promotion to Assistant Art Director.

Self-Serve Warehouse Assistant - IKEA - United Kingdom

(2011-07 - 2014-08)

Supported customers in the self-serve warehouse, maintaining great housekeeping skills and customer service.
Learned how to work well in a team, developing people skills and efficiency at the workplace.
Worked here part-time whilst studying at Nottingham Trent University.
Reason for leaving: Graduated university and became an Art Department Assistant.