Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Samantha Houghton

Stalbridge Weston,Dorset

Summary

Compassionate and creative Early Career Teacher with valuable experience in project planning and the development of schemes of work. A collaborative and reliable team player who is equally confident working independently or as part of a teaching team.

Well-versed in COSHH regulations, machine maintenance, chemical handling, and workshop management, with a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and organised learning environment. Possesses extensive knowledge across a broad range of disciplines and manufacturing techniques, including wood, metal, plastics, textiles, food, ceramics, and glass. Dedicated to delivering engaging, practical learning experiences that foster creativity, technical skill, and student confidence.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work history

Design and Technology Technician

Shaftesbury School - SAST
Shaftesbury, Dorset
2020.02 - 2025.08
  • Supported students with manufacturing skills to ensure successful results.
  • Prepared classrooms for practical and theory lessons, ensuring readiness for each session.
  • Worked closely with teachers on lesson planning to integrate suitable skills and materials effectively.
  • Carried out regular inspections, maintenance of machinery and Health & Safety compliance.

Science Technician

Shaftesbury School - SAST
Shaftesbury, Dorset
2023.11 - 2025.08
  • Handled hazardous materials following health and safety guidelines.
  • Liaised with teaching staff to understand the requirements of laboratory lessons.
  • Purchased supplies and completed associated invoicing and payments.

Art Technician

Shaftesbury School - SAST
Shaftesbury, Dorset
2021.01 - 2022.11
  • Worked closely with Teachers' to provide the correct resources for lessons.
  • Managed inventory of art supplies, ensuring constant availability for pupils' use.

Learning Support Mentor (SEND Department)

Shaftesbury School - SAST
Shaftesbury, Dorset
2022.04 - 2022.08
  • Promoted positive behaviour amongst students through mentorship programs.
  • Worked closely with SEND students to enhance their school experience.

Interior Design & Soft Furnishing Specialist

Self-Employed
Stalbridge Weston, Dorset
2007.05 - 2020.02
  • Sourced materials, maximising project effectiveness whilst minimising costs.
  • Managed multiple projects concurrently to meet deadlines consistently.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by creating unique and personalised interior soft furnishings.
  • Developed cost estimates, providing transparency in budget matters to clients at every stage of the project.
  • Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills when resolving technical issues.

Interior Design & Soft Furnishings Specialist

J&S Designs and Interiors
Stalbridge, Dorset
2004.10 - 2007.07

Interior Design & Soft Furnishing Specialist

Cullingford Carpets & Interiors
Wincanton, Somerset
2004.01 - 2004.10

Adult Education Tutor in Ceramics

Somerset Adult Education (CRESTA)
Crewkerne & Chard, Somerset
2002.09 - 2004.09

Ceramic artist

Self-Employed
Plymouth, Devon
1998.07 - 2004.04

Ceramics Tutor & 3D Technician

Somerset College of Art and Technology
Taunton, Somerset
2002.09 - 2003.08

Hamper Packer

Virginia Hayward Hampers
Shaftesbury, Dorset
2001.07 - 2002.08

Education

QTS with PGCE - Teacher of Design and Technology

Mid Somerset Consortium SCITT - Bath Spa University
Street, Somerset
2025.09 -

Bachelor of Arts - Applied Arts: Ceramics, Glass & Metal

University of Plymouth
Plymouth, England
1997.09 - 1998.07

Higher National Diploma - Ceramics & Glass

University of Plymouth
Plymouth, England
1995.09 - 1997.07

Diploma of Higher Education - Foundation Studies in Art & Design

Yeovil College
Yeovil, Somerset
1994.09 - 1995.07

A-Levels - Arts & Crafts

Yeovil College
Yeovil, Somerset
1992.09 - 1994.07

A-Levels - History of Art

Yeovil College
Yeovil, Somerset
1992.09 - 1994.07

GCSEs - Mathematics

Skills & Learning Adult Community Education
Christchurch and Poole Council, Bournemouth
2024.09 - 2025.06

GCSEs - English - Language

King Arthur's School
Wincanton
1987.09 - 1992.06

GCSEs - English - Literature

King Arthur's School
Wincanton, Somerset
1987.09 - 1992.06

Skills

  • Experienced in key stage 3 & 4 Design and Technology
  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Broad range of Materials knowledge
  • COSHH & Chemical experience
  • Food hygiene Certification
  • Expertise placing orders (Sage Software)
  • Basic first aid training
  • DATA Certified

Affiliations

  • I have a keen interest in the arts, regularly attending galleries, theatre productions, and live music events. A creative and practical individual, I design and produce handcrafted pieces in wood, clay, and textiles. I am actively involved in local history and archaeology as a member of Dorset Diggers and Stalbridge History Society. I participate in historical talks, guided site visits, and archaeological excavations, and have volunteered at Dorset Museum, cataloguing and preparing artefacts for storage. Outside of these interests, I enjoy spending time with my family and walking our dog.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

QTS with PGCE - Teacher of Design and Technology

Mid Somerset Consortium SCITT - Bath Spa University
2025.09 -

GCSEs - Mathematics

Skills & Learning Adult Community Education
2024.09 - 2025.06

Science Technician

Shaftesbury School - SAST
2023.11 - 2025.08

Learning Support Mentor (SEND Department)

Shaftesbury School - SAST
2022.04 - 2022.08

Art Technician

Shaftesbury School - SAST
2021.01 - 2022.11

Design and Technology Technician

Shaftesbury School - SAST
2020.02 - 2025.08

Interior Design & Soft Furnishing Specialist

Self-Employed
2007.05 - 2020.02

Interior Design & Soft Furnishings Specialist

J&S Designs and Interiors
2004.10 - 2007.07

Interior Design & Soft Furnishing Specialist

Cullingford Carpets & Interiors
2004.01 - 2004.10

Adult Education Tutor in Ceramics

Somerset Adult Education (CRESTA)
2002.09 - 2004.09

Ceramics Tutor & 3D Technician

Somerset College of Art and Technology
2002.09 - 2003.08

Hamper Packer

Virginia Hayward Hampers
2001.07 - 2002.08

Ceramic artist

Self-Employed
1998.07 - 2004.04

Bachelor of Arts - Applied Arts: Ceramics, Glass & Metal

University of Plymouth
1997.09 - 1998.07

Higher National Diploma - Ceramics & Glass

University of Plymouth
1995.09 - 1997.07

Diploma of Higher Education - Foundation Studies in Art & Design

Yeovil College
1994.09 - 1995.07

A-Levels - Arts & Crafts

Yeovil College
1992.09 - 1994.07

A-Levels - History of Art

Yeovil College
1992.09 - 1994.07

GCSEs - English - Language

King Arthur's School
1987.09 - 1992.06

GCSEs - English - Literature

King Arthur's School
1987.09 - 1992.06
Samantha Houghton