Smita Sonthalia

Passionate and experienced Visual Arts Educator with over 20 years of teaching experience across Singapore, London, and India. Founder of Samarpan Art School (London), guiding students to exceptional results in GCSE, Art Scholarship and The Arts Award through structured, inspiring instruction. Certified Arts Award Instructor (Trinity College London & Arts Council England), recognised for mentoring one of the highest numbers of certified students globally. Committed to nurturing creativity, cultural appreciation, and confidence in young artists.

Teaching Philosophy: Art should empower students to think independently, express freely, and develop a lifelong appreciation for creativity.

Teaching Experience

Founder & Art Instructor | Samarpan Art School, London (2018–Present)

• Established and managed a full-time art school with over 80 students (Years 7–18)

• Designed and delivered curriculum aligned to primary, secondary and GCSE level

• Mentored students achieving scholarships and university placements in creative disciplines

• Conducted student exhibitions, art competitions, and community projects

• Promoted creativity through differentiated, student-centred instruction

Arts Award Instructor | Trinity College London & Arts Council England (2020–Present)

• Certified instructor for the UK's official arts qualification framework

• Successfully trained and certified over 100 students across Discover to Gold levels — one of the highest achievements globally

• Developed student assessment rubrics and reflective art portfolios

• Advocated for creative progression and cross-disciplinary learning

Art Teacher | Singapore (2015–2018)

• Conducted visual arts classes and portfolio workshops for students aged 8–18

• Organised exhibitions showcasing emerging talent and cultural art themes

Art Teacher | Amity International School, India (2012–2013)

• Taught drawing, painting, sculpture, and art history across multiple grades

• Integrated Indian and global art traditions into classroom learning

• Mentored gifted students and led school art exhibitions

Skills & Expertise

• Fine Arts: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture,Printmaking, Digital Art, Textile Designing

• Curriculum Development: GCSE, Art Scholarship, and Arts Award Frameworks

• Instruction: Lesson Planning, Differentiated Teaching, Assessment for Learning

• Student Engagement: Portfolio Guidance, Creative Mentorship, Exhibition Organisation

• Collaboration: Parent & School Liaison, Cross-cultural Projects, Workshop Facilitation

Education & Certifications

• Certified Arts Award Instructor – Trinity College London & Arts Council England

• Master of Fine Arts (Painting), India

• 6-Year Diploma in Fine Arts (Painting), India

• Short Course – University of the Arts, London

• Art Appreciation Course – Chitrakala Parishad, Bangalore

• Diploma in Fashion Design – NIFD India | Certificate in Clay Modeling

• Bachelor of Computer Applications – Birla Institute of Technology, India

• Certification in Fashion and Clothing Design, NIFT

Awards & Affiliations

• Affiliated to Trinity College of London and Arts Council of England

• Member – Artist of the Year – IIW London

• Member – Harrow Council Cultural Forum

• President – Fine Art Society, BIT Mesra | President – SFA Club, ISB Hyderabad

• Best Artist of the Year – School (India)

• Cultural Head of the School