BLOG: Gurdip Kaur Devgun, Teacher, Bantock Primary School, Wolverhampton
Classroom as Studio Programme
As we approach the midway point of our journey with the Classroom as Studio programme, it has been a truly rewarding experience for both our school and our children. From the outset, we’ve enjoyed the opportunity to integrate the arts into our wider curriculum, providing a creative dimension that has made learning more memorable. Working closely with our artist, Kathleen Fabre, has been a key highlight of this process. Kathleen has worked with both Year 4 and Year 2, bringing a wealth of creativity, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the sessions. Her support has sparked our students’ imaginations, allowing them to express themselves in new and exciting ways.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme has been the way in which art has complemented our curriculum. The hands-on, creative approach has allowed us to deliver learning in a dynamic and engaging way. Art has been used to deepen the children’s understanding of core subjects, making lessons more interactive and meaningful. For instance, incorporating visual arts into Personal Development and Relationships (PDR) and Religious Education (RE) has made abstract concepts more accessible. Through artistic expression, our children have found new ways to connect with the material, making learning more personal and impactful.
What’s been particularly impressive is how art has helped children retain knowledge in a lasting way. The process of creating something tangible allows them to internalize ideas in a manner that feels authentic, building a deeper connection to the subject matter. Watching our children experience joy and pride in their artistic creations has been a truly fulfilling aspect of the programme. Their work is a testament to the power of creativity in education, and it’s rewarding to see them using art as a tool for self-expression and deeper understanding.
Beyond the classroom, the team meetings we’ve attended throughout the programme have been invaluable. These sessions have given us the chance to reflect on student progress, share achievements, and openly discuss any challenges. It has been refreshing to be part of a community of like-minded educators who are committed to improving their practice. These discussions have provided a space for collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual support, strengthening our confidence in incorporating arts-based learning.
Our research questions have also played a vital role in shaping our approach. They have provided a structured framework to evaluate how we integrate the arts into our teaching and assess the impact on student learning. This self-reflection has been incredibly valuable, reinforcing the idea that the arts are not just an add-on but a crucial part of the educational experience.
Looking ahead to Year 2, we are excited to continue working with Kathleen and exploring new creative opportunities. We hope to build on the foundations we’ve laid, deepen the impact of the arts, and inspire our children even further. The Classroom as Studio programme has already had a significant effect on our teaching, and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings.
About Gurdip
Gurdip Kaur Devgun is a teacher at Bantock Primary School.
