Our Kids Courses & Workshops
For Children Aged 7-12
Our courses usually take place over three afternoons at the wonderful Woodhouse Centre in Oxted. We teach drawing, painting and sculpting using a range of exciting media. Each day they learn about a new technique, medium or artist, in a way that builds upon the previous day's learning, however, they can just attend for individual sessions if they prefer. We aim to inspire, teach and develop your child's creativity and artistic skills in a safe, relaxed and enjoyable environment, and have lots of fun along the way! We also run brilliant seasonal workshops with creative holiday-themed projects.
Short Courses & Workshops for Children and Teens
Encourage your child’s creative talents
Does your child have a flair for art and would like to explore their potential more? Is your child preparing a portfolio for a scholarship or exhibition? Or just can’t get enough of art! Often there isn’t time within the school day or flexibility within the curriculum to learn the skills and techniques needed to improve their drawing and painting. Plus there are distractions when not everyone in their class is as interested in art as they are. We get it!
Our short courses for passionate young artists take place during the school holidays, with two groups available: one aimed at School Years 4-6 (although children aged 7-13 are welcome) and one for School Years 7-9 (although children aged 11-16 are welcome). Our tutors are experienced in teaching children, and are DBS checked (via the other organisations and educational settings they work in).
You can choose from 1, 2 or 3 afternoons, every school holiday
Pay per course, or per session
All materials provided
Refreshments included
Learn new skills every school holiday
Small class sizes & expert tuition
Classes in Oxted, and soon in Croydon and Bromley
Meet the Team
-
Alison
Creative Director & Safeguarding Lead
Alison has been running art classes for more than 12 years, and just loves it! She’s full of ideas and enjoys planning our courses and events. She teaches in our adult classes and workshops, and set up the Art For Life Academy two years ago so that we can also share our passion for art with children and teenagers. Alison has worked with children and young people for many years as a volunteer in churches and youth camps, and loves the freedom, creativity and imagination that children have.
Favourite things: Live music, filmmaking, ready salted crisps and post-it notes.
-
Diane
Tutor
Diane has 30 years of experience teaching young people and adults with special needs. A specialist in mosaics, one of her larger pieces can be found in the reception of NESCOT College. She spends many hours with her grandchildren making a glorious creative mess! She’s also run her own cake making business and has dabbled in stained glass, willow weaving, and blacksmithing! She loves cooking for other people and spending time in her garden.
Favourite things : Bruce Springsteen, red wine, wild open spaces, abstract art, a basket of yarn.
-
Julie
Tutor
Julie has a background in interior design and soft furnishings. After enjoying our adult classes for six years she is excited to pass on the techniques she has mastered. Her own work, in acrylics and watercolour, leans towards Surrealism. She’s a talented singer, incredibly imaginative and great fun to be around!
Favourite things: singing and my bed!
Favourite colour: turquoise
Favourite artists: Grayson Perry and Jonas Peterson
-
Ginny
Tutor & First Aider
Ginny's artistic journey began with her childhood in India and continues to be enriched by travels abroad. Drawing inspiration from diverse experiences, she uses art as a medium for expressing gratitude. Ginny is dedicated to fostering artistic engagement in future generations, with a wealth of experience running workshops in local schools and the wider commuity. In 2020 she was also shortlisted among the top 20 artists for Surrey Artist of the Year.
Favourite Things : Long meditative walks, cooking and gardening.
-
Louisa
AFL Academy Tutor and First Aider
Louisa has 20 years of experience teaching young people and adults. She has experience as a teacher, professional face painter and has run private workshops. Having taught computers and media studies encouraging learners to be creative - she is a firm believer we can all be artists.
Favourite things – Elvis, dancing, time with her grandchild & being outside in nature.
-
Chantal
AFL Academy Tutor
Chantal got into resin art over lockdown and her enthusiasm for art knows no bounds! She takes so much pleasure in teaching art and experimenting with all mediums. Chantal gets real joy out of helping children discover art and is also an Assistant Swimming Teacher, helping children learn to swim. Her particular specialty is helping children who might be anxious to feel comfortable to join in.
-
Favourite things: her young family, the beach, summer, travel, synchronised swimming.
Courses Run Every School Holiday Throughout the Year
Future Courses - Register Your Interest
