Art teacher draws strength from pupils (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Art teacher draws strength from pupils

A SOUTH Wilts Gram-mar School teacher was rewarded for her efforts when she was among those honoured at an awards ceremony in Bristol last week.

Jill Hollowell came second in the Outstanding New Teacher in a Secondary School section at the west of England regional final of the Teaching Awards.

The 23-year-old art and design teacher was nominated by her head of department, Debbie Evans, and the nomination was backed by headteacher Frances Stratton.

Ms Hollowell is delighted to have been recognised for her work.

She said: "A lot of the comments that went on the application form came from the students, which was lovely for me because it's all about them.

"I like to think I'm a lively teacher and I get the kids enthusiastic about art.

"When I used to work in a bar, people asked me why on earth I wanted to become a teacher, but it's great and I love it - the best thing I ever did, and I consider myself very lucky."

Ms Hollowell said she owes a lot to the pupils and the department, which has also been praised.

She said: "They're extremely bright girls and they do very, very well.

"A moderator who came to look at their work recently said it was some of the best they'd seen.

"It's just nice that we've got this recognition because we're such a small department."

The South Wilts teacher, who lives in Bournemouth and has been at the Stratford Road school for two years since training in Reading, was pipped to the regional award, but was gracious in defeat.

She said the prize had gone to a music teacher who was a head of department and therefore probably had a lot more responsibility.

And although Ms Hollowell enjoyed the occasion, there was another good reason not to be too upset at missing out.

"I'm just pleased I didn't have to give a two-minute speech!" she said.