Staff Sportlight: Wendy Van-Hoof, Head of Art
Friday 18 September 2026
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Tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and how long you have worked at Gordonstoun?
I am the Head of Art at Gordonstoun and have been working at the school for 13 years. I teach both Art and Photography and am passionate about helping students develop their creativity, confidence and technical skills. Over the years I've worked with students of all abilities and backgrounds, and I still love coming into the classroom each day.
What do you enjoy most about working at Gordonstoun?
Without a doubt, it's the teaching. I particularly love introducing students to photography for the first time and watching them discover a new passion or talent they never realised they had.
Seeing their confidence grow and their ideas develop into creative projects is incredibly rewarding.
What's happening in your department right now? Any new initiative or exciting events for this year?
We're currently busy planning another Art Auction, which is always an exciting event for the school community. We're fortunate to be working alongside our amazing Scholar Team, whose enthusiasm and support help make the event such a success. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase creativity across the school while raising funds for worthwhile causes.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Running a 10K race! It may not sound particularly extraordinary, but as I was doing it I genuinely thought I might not survive to see the finish line. Crossing that finish line taught me a lot about perseverance and pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting in a capybara café, surrounded by friendly capybaras, with plenty of time to make art and be creative. That sounds pretty perfect to me!
What is something surprising about you?
Before studying Art, I actually studied Engineering. I think people are often surprised to learn that I have quite a logical and mathematical way of thinking for an artist. I enjoy problem-solving just as much as creative thinking, and the two disciplines complement each other more than people might expect.
I also have a bit of an obsession with animals! At home I have around 200 chickens, 20 runner ducks, 18 turkeys, 6 Labradors, 5 alpacas, 2 llamas and a rhea called Dino. Between teaching art and looking after my ever-growing collection of animals, life is rarely quiet!
What talent, real or fiction, would you most like to have?
I'd love to be an amazing cook. I admire people who can open a fridge, look at a handful of ingredients and somehow create a fantastic meal. Unfortunately, that talent has always slightly escaped me!
Is there a quote or saying you live your life by?
"Just try it." It's something I've always told myself whenever I'm feeling uncomfortable about trying something new. You never know what you'll enjoy or where an opportunity might lead unless you give it a go. More often than not, the things that seem intimidating at first turn out to be some of the most rewarding experiences.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Probably watching the Crime Channel. After a busy day, I enjoy settling down with a good crime documentary or mystery series. I find the psychology, investigation and problem-solving fascinating, even if it does occasionally make me a bit paranoid!
What is your favourite time of year or calendar event during the Gordonstoun year?
Without a doubt, Christmas. I love the House Dinners, the Carol Service, and especially the whole-school carols in Round Square. There is something really special about that time of year when everyone comes together and the campus feels genuinely festive. It is one of those moments that reminds me how strong the Gordonstoun community is.
What is your favourite place within the Gordonstoun campus?
I am probably a little biased, but my favourite place is my classroom. Or, as the students like to call it, the "Neon Rave Cave!" It is colourful, creative, cosy, and has a sofa, which makes it feel like a welcoming space for students to relax, create, and share ideas.
Outside of art, one of my biggest passions is being part of the Fire Service. I love spending time at the fire station and being involved in something completely different from my day-to-day work in education and the arts. It provides a unique sense of teamwork, community, and purpose, and I enjoy the challenge of developing practical skills in a very different environment.
What did you want to be when you were younger, or what advice would you give your teenage self?
When I was younger, I was absolutely obsessed with theme parks and wanted to design maps for places like Alton Towers. Looking back, I would tell my teenage self not to worry so much about having everything planned out. Some of the best opportunities come from paths you never expected to take, so stay curious, say yes to new experiences, and trust that things will work out.
Has there been an inspiring trip, event, conversation or interaction while at Gordonstoun that will stay with you for a long time?
The service projects to Romania and Thailand will always stand out. They gave me the opportunity to build lasting friendships, experience different cultures, and see the world from new perspectives. Both trips pushed me well beyond my comfort zone, but that is often where the most meaningful growth happens. The people I met and the experiences I had will stay with me for a very long time.
Curious about Gordonstoun?
To find out more about all the creative subjects on offer and how they integrate seamlessly into our academic and broader curriculum, please contact Admissions or join us on our next Virtual Taste of Gordonstoun Webinar.
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