BLOG: BECKY THOMPSON – EDUCATION PRODUCER, ARTS CONNECT
As education producer with Arts Connect, I have the fantastic job of supporting primary teachers to build their skills, knowledge and confidence in teaching art. I am constantly learning from teachers who care deeply about the quality of art education that their pupils’ access, and whose art teaching supports and enthuses pupils to develop and thrive. I also regularly speak to primary teachers who recognise the positive impacts that art can have on their pupils but don’t feel they have the skills or knowledge to deliver art lessons that support and inspire pupils to grow as capable and confident artists.
Many teachers I work with say that they find there is limited access to art specific CPD, particularly in-person sessions that focus on growing primary teachers core art skills and knowledge. As an experienced art teacher and subject lead, I understand how important it is to have practical guidance and inspiration to develop new practice and remain passionate about teaching art. I also know the value of connecting with likeminded peers and having precious time out of the classroom to reflect and plan.
With this in mind, we have designed a series of in person CPD workshops to suit primary teachers at different stages in their art experience and confidence. We have focused on skills and knowledge that form the essential building blocks of art teaching – drawing, painting and sculpture, and broader ‘progression’ workshops that will give teachers the ‘tools’ to embed sketchbook practice and textiles into the curriculum and for art leads who want to grow the ambition of their curriculum. We also have 2 brilliant cardboard sculpture workshops led by the super talented Darrell Wakelam.
Each workshop will be built around practical activities that can be taken back to the classroom and easily adapted to suit teacher and pupil needs. We will get hands on with art materials and processes to build teachers understanding and confidence in a way that is informative, inspiring and hopefully fun!
I can’t wait to kick off the CPD series in September!