Crystal Miles appointed HOD of Creative Arts

Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

In the Creative Arts, we are in the business of ensuring that children retain and cultivate their natural creativity and artistry. Creativity, imagination, and the ability to adapt are fast becoming the most important skills for the future, for no one can say what the future will look like. In my role as the newly appointed Head of Department for the Creative Arts, I am committed to ensuring that the four Arts disciplines offered at St Peter’s College – Music, Art, Dance and Drama – are relevant, inspiring, and encourage creative and critical thinking.

My passion for the Arts began at a young age when a trip to watch a production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “Joseph” brought amazing technicolour to my life. I was awestruck to see how the acting and singing, dancing and artistry, came together to create such a visceral experience. Since then, I have firmly believed that the Arts speak truth to each and every person in their ability to entertain, provoke thought, and above all, move people. 

Having graduated from Rhodes University in 2008 with a Bachelor of the Arts with Distinction in Dramatic Arts, I went on to begin my teaching career, teaching both the Creative Arts and Dramatic Arts. I joined St Peter’s College in 2017 and found tremendous inspiration in the exquisite space of the MADD centre. Surrounded by talented and passionate fellow Arts teachers, I am honoured and excited to represent the Creative Arts as we go “bravely into the future”.