Aiko Hirayama

I am a strong believer in lifelong learning with outstanding self-discipline and professional commitment. My subject knowledge has always been recognised as a strength throughout my PGCE and continue to be so at Loxford school, where I currently teach.

As well as completing a Masters degree in Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London, one of the UK’s most prestigious art institutions. I have sustained an active, multidisciplinary practice by exhibiting my work, undertaking commercial design commissions, and collaborating with architects on renovation projects, while balancing full-time employment (please see below for selected projects).

In recognition of my sustained artistic practice, I was invited to deliver lectures to MA students at the University of the West of England in 2003 and 2004. Consequently, my subject expertise extends well beyond the secondary curriculum: it encompasses vocational pathways in art and design, informed by first-hand industry experience, as well as higher education contexts and current discourses in contemporary art. This breadth and depth of knowledge contributed to my being awarded a Commendation from the University College London for achieving A grades in all PGCE modules.

At Loxford School, I have gained extensive experience teaching across all secondary year groups, including my current examination class, Year 11, whom I have taught throughout their GCSE Art course. Within this mixed ability cohort of sixteen students, two students are currently predicted to achieve a Grade 9, and the entire class is expected to secure grades between 4 and 9. I have ensured that high-attaining students are consistently stretched and challenged through adaptive teaching strategies, informed by Loxford’s rigorous approach to assessment for learning.

I am proud to be part of a department that consistently achieves a 100% pass rate at both GCSE and A-Level Art, Photography and Textiles. Our progress rates are among the highest in this outstanding school, reflecting our strong collaborative practice and commitment to high standards of teaching and learning.

In addition to my strength in subject knowledge, I was pleased to receive outstanding feedback for all eight Teaching Standards this year following a Year 11 lesson observation conducted by the SENCO. I am committed to supporting students with EHCPs, nurturing their agency and individuality in order to develop their creative outcomes with confidence.

By establishing trust, recognising their strengths, and building on their interests, I have been able to motivate students to achieve beyond their expected grades. Through clear direction, adaptive teaching strategies, and carefully scaffolded materials that I have designed, I have ensured that all learners are supported to refine their skills and succeed.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned at Loxford School was developing confidence in managing disruptive behaviour through a consistent and structured approach. This included the use of clear warning systems and the continuous reinforcement of classroom expectations. I have found that absolute clarity in instructions is essential, particularly when managing the logistics of practical lessons with limited resources, such as shared sinks and equipment within restricted timeframes. Careful planning and precise communication ensure that lessons run smoothly and maximise learning time.

Establishing strong professional relationships and positive rapport with students comes naturally to me, rooted in my genuine commitment to nurturing their agency and respecting their individuality. I am ambitious for my students’ achievements and for their future careers, both academically and vocationally.

Alongside my love for the subject, encouraging future generations of diverse cultural voices is at the heart of my motivation for teaching. Through ongoing dialogue with students to nurture their critical thinking, creativity, love of learning and by establishing strong, professional relationships with parents, I strive to create a positive climate for learning that extends beyond the classroom and beyond the school gates.

Selected Exhibitions and Design Projects

Harajuku Living, Logo/External Signage design commission, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 2006

Hiroshima Art Document 2006, an annual exhibition curated by Yukiko Ito in association with Creative Union

Hiroshima, Old Bank of Japan building Hiroshima Branch 2006

Harajuku 80, external refurbishment project in collaboration with GEOPLUS architect office, Tokyo, Japan, 2005

Subject /Object Bias, group exhibition GEC Unit 10 Pundersons Gardens London E2 9JJ 13/07/2002 to 16/08/2002

Plastic, Arnolfini Bristol, an exhibition curated by Joan Key and Paul Heber Percy in association with Richard Salmon Gallery, London 16 Narrow Quay Bristol 1997

Plastic, Walsall Museum and Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Walsall 1997

The Dean Street Garage Sale, An international Art exhibition of recent Postgraduates from Chelsea, Goldsmith and RCA, 22-25 Dean Street, Soho, London W1 08/1996

‘The Spring Open Exhibition’ Silver prize, Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan April 1991

• Anita, Johnson, Headteacher / Chief Executive Officer, trelyfo@loxford.net, 02085144666, Loxford School, Headteacher, Loxford Lane, Ilford, London, United Kingdom, IG1 2UT, Length Known: 4 years
• Farhana, Zaman, Senior Leader, farzama@loxford.net, 02085144666, Loxford School, Line Manager, Loxford Lane, Ilford, London, United Kingdom, IG1 2UT, Length Known: 6 months

• Training Course/Title: GDPR, Organising Body: IHasco, Qualification: Certification of completion, Date: February 2024
• Training Course/Title: Female Genital Mutilation, Organising Body: Virtual College, The CPD Certification Service, Qualification: Certification of completion, Date: February 2023
• Training Course/Title: Recognising and Preventing FGM, Organising Body: Virtual College, The CPD Certification Service, Qualification: Certification of completion, Date: February 2023
• Training Course/Title: Prevent awareness course, Organising Body: HM Government, Qualification: Certification of completion, Date: November 2022

• In order to comply with safer recruitment guidelines schools are required to view your full employment history and all gaps in employment must be explained. The system has automatically calculated any gaps within your employment history below from the end date of your secondary education to the present day (excluding any dates while attending University). Please explain the reason(s) for each of these gaps in the section below.
• July 1990 to September 1990 (2 months between end of Edgehill College and start of City of Bath College) Summer Break - Return to Japan over the summer holiday to spend time with family and travelled domestically.
• June 1991 to September 1991 (3 months between end of City of Bath College and start of Chelsea College of Art & Design) Summer Break - Return to Japan over the summer holiday to spend time with family
• June 1994 to September 1994 (3 months between end of Chelsea College of Art & Design and start of University of London Goldsmiths' College) Summer Break - Return to Japan over the summer holiday to spend time with family
• March 2012 to September 2015 (3 years, 6 months between end of Free lance child minder and start of Woodford Art Club) Raising Family - Taken time out to raise the family
• Additional reasons for any gaps in your employment history: N/A

• Title: Mrs.
• First Name(s): Aiko
• Middle Name(s):
• Last Name(s): Hirayama
• Former Name(s): No former name(s)
• Preferred Name(s):
• Current Address: 2 Warners Close, WOODFORD GREEN, Greater London, IG8 0TF, United Kingdom
• Daytime Contact Number: 07941629835
• Mobile Number: +447941629835
• Email Address: aikohirayama@googlemail.com
• Do you require sponsorship to work in the UK?: No
• National Insurance Number: PC582601B
• Qualified Teacher Status: QTS (obtained)
• Teacher Reference Number: 2153327
• Date Attained: 2022-07-15
• If you gained QTS after 7th May 1999, have you completed the statutory NQT / ECT induction period?: Yes
• If you have an overseas teaching qualification, has this been recognised as meeting the same standards as qualified teacher status in England?: N/A
• Are you subject to a teacher prohibition order, or an interim prohibition order, issued by the secretary of state, as a result of misconduct?: No
• Are you subject to a General Teaching Council sanction or restriction?: No

• Date of Birth: 1971-11-18
• Cultural/Ethnic Origin: Asian or Asian British/Other
• Gender: Female
• Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual/Straight
• Religion/Belief: Christian
• Do you have a recognised disability, or do you suffer from a physical or mental impairment that has had a substantial effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months?: No