2024 President’s Award for exemplary practice Winner
Dilys Finlay studied a degree in Fine Art at Goldsmiths College before becoming a practicing artist. After several years of teaching art in adult education, Dilys trained as a primary teacher and now uses her knowledge and skills as an artist to teach art in Primary school. She was the Art Specialist Teacher at Beecroft Garden Primary in Lewisham for 13 years, helping to transform the school into a thriving art hub, from where she offered cpd to other school leaders and teachers to demonstrate how a creative curriculum with diversity at its heart is inclusive and exciting. Dilys now teaches at St Bartholomew's Primary School in Sydenham where a similar journey has just begun. Dilys has written regularly for AD magazine, and is in the beginning stages of writing a book of her experiences as an art teacher to encourage more confidence within this subject.
“An inspiring example of exemplary practice in action where a richly diverse, arts-driven curriculum is brought to life through meaningful collaboration with parents, cross-curricular work, and issues-based learning. The impact is undeniable, echoed in powerful testimonies from students and colleagues alike, and amplified through a growing national voice. Delivered with depth, passion, and creativity, this work leaves a truly lasting impression.”