Art teacher banned after telling pupils how to improve their work during exam
An art teacher was suspended from class after telling GSCE students how they could improve their work during the exam and allowing them to take their work home.
Wendy Lewis, 59, also told students at St Dunstan’s School in Glastonbury that they could receive extra time due to “strike days” and “bank holidays”, but this was not true.
The artist, who has been working as a food technology and art teacher since 2001, resigned from his position in August 2023 following an internal disciplinary investigation.
A panel hearing at the Teaching Regulation Agency heard Ms Lewis had breached strict exam rules, which state students must not add to or alter work produced during the 10-hour inspection period.
However, on April 26 and 27, 2023, he made suggestions to students, which included advising one to add a black background and the other to mute the colors in his work.
It was also revealed that he had made drawings for multiple students, letting them ask questions and telling them he could come help them.
At the end of the evaluation, he said: “If you have work to finish… I will leave the room and I think you know what I mean.” This allowed students to take their unfinished assessments home and complete them outside of exam hours.
An investigation concluded that his conduct was dishonest and dishonest and that he had brought the teaching profession into disrepute by his actions.
It noted: “In the view of the panel, it was clear that providing advice and assistance, offering extensions without permission, allowing students to access their work beyond the permitted period and providing false justifications for doing so were all clear examples of behavior that failed to meet the high standards expected of a teacher.”
Ms. Lewis made full admissions and expressed remorse for her actions; The panel said he had an otherwise good record and was considered a “respected and high-performing teacher”.
However, it was ruled that his actions were “deliberate” and that he had failed in his duty to be responsible.
As a result, he was banned indefinitely from teaching in any school, college or children’s home. He can apply to have the restraining order lifted in December 2027.
