MEET THE TEACHERS
At the heart of ARTXTRA, is a passionate and talented team of teachers dedicated to nurturing creativity in every child. Whether it's a fun-filled birthday party, weekly art club, or focused support group for GCSE Art. Our experienced educators create a supportive, inspiring environment where young artists aged 5 to 16 can explore, learn and grow.
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Our teachers bring a wealth of artistic knowledge and teaching experience, along with a genuine love for working with children. Each session is designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and develop real artistic skills, all while making art fun and accessible for every age and ability.
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Scroll down to meet the friendly faces who help make our art school a place where creativity comes to life!​​
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We are fully insured, all staff are DBS checked, and we follow safeguarding guidelines in line with the Out of School Alliance.
We also proudly support young learners by offering work experience placements through the South West Work Experience Partnership.
Katrina
Katrina Atkinson BA (Hons) is a multidisciplinary artist and experienced educator whose practice sits at the intersection of creativity, education, and wellbeing. She is Principal of Art House Cheddar Art School, where she delivers inclusive art workshops for adults and children of all abilities in a supportive and exploratory environment.
Alongside her studio teaching, Katrina also lectures in A Level Art at Weston College.
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With a background spanning schools, colleges, and community arts, Katrina brings a deeply reflective and student centred approach to her teaching. Her creative practice explores themes around childhood, digital culture, and communication.
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Katrina holds a BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, and is passionate about fostering creativity, resilience, and critical thinking through art.
Denise
Denise Mawdsley, BA Hons Primary Teaching Award, National Profession Qualification of Headteachers.
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Denise has enjoyed a lifelong love of art of all mediums, which she has had the pleasure of taking into her teaching career for over 30 years. She has taught a wide age range of children including early years, infants, juniors and, more recently, some of the older students attending Artxtra classes.
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As a class teacher and headteacher, she specialised in Art to develop an exciting and engaging curriculum and to lead a number of successful whole school and local community projects and exhibitions. Denise’s input has been recognised by the Somerset Arts Council, who awarded Artsmark Gold on two successive occasions.
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In addition to her experience, Denise has a natural passion for Art which enables her to recognise and support opportunities for pupils’ individual exploration and achievement.
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Denise’s own journey in Art continues at the Art House, where she is a student of Katrina’s. Having just completed two years of the Katrina’s Foundation Course, she is currently loving being involved in the Wednesday Sketchbook classes, as well as enjoying some wonderful workshops.
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As an Artxtra teacher, Denise feels very privileged to welcome and work with our younger aspiring artists; to share in their Art journey and to see them happily as engaged in this unique and very special artistic provision at Art House Cheddar.