Thank you for taking the time to share your interview experience. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that your experience fell short of expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify the intent and structure of our interview process. Our 3-part interview process is designed to ensure that both the applicant and our team have a clear understanding of role expectations, particularly because the position involves working closely with children and delivering quality art education. We aim to assess not just technical skills, but also classroom management, communication style, and alignment with our pedagogy. On Interview Professionalism We agree that every candidate deserves a respectful and focused interview. If your interviewer was momentarily distracted, we sincerely apologise — this is not reflective of our standard practice, and we will remind our team to uphold a high level of professionalism in all interactions. On the Proficiency Test The traditional art medium test is part of our effort to understand how applicants adapt to various tools and constraints — a common reality in art education. We acknowledge your feedback regarding the paper used and will consider providing more appropriate formats in the future. On the Teaching Observation (3rd Stage) The unpaid trial sessions are never intended to exploit applicants. They are part of a mutual evaluation process — for us to see how a candidate manages a live class, and for the candidate to decide if our environment is the right fit for them. Many applicants find these sessions valuable and affirming. That said, we understand and respect that not everyone may feel comfortable with this approach. Please note that we do not invite all applicants to the trial stage — only those who demonstrate alignment and potential in earlier stages. It is also made clear that the role is not guaranteed, and we do not proceed with trials unless there is a genuine hiring need. If, during the process, our staffing requirements shift, we do our best to inform applicants respectfully and in a timely manner. We appreciate your feedback and will continue to refine our process to ensure it is fair, transparent, and respectful for all involved. We wish you the very best in your future opportunities.

Our trial teaching stage is designed to provide a realistic preview of the role. By observing one class and then facilitating trial lessons with support, candidates can experience firsthand the expectations, pace, and dynamic of working in our environment — particularly with young children. We understand that teaching after a single observation can feel daunting. However, the intent isn’t to expect perfection, but rather to observe how candidates adapt, communicate, and engage with students. Our senior teachers and assistants are present during these sessions to support as needed, and we do not leave candidates without guidance. The trial sessions also allow candidates to decide if our teaching approach, culture, and classroom structure are right for them — it’s a mutual fit assessment. We acknowledge the concern that the trial period is unpaid and not guaranteed. This is a common but sensitive practice in hands-on roles like teaching, where classroom presence and interaction are crucial to evaluate. That said, we only invite candidates to the trial stage when there is a genuine intention to hire. Your experience and feedback help us improve our process and communication. We wish you the best in your teaching journey and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.