The programme
Arts Connect design and lead professional development programmes and subject lead networks for teachers of art and art leads in primary and secondary schools. Through this we support teachers to build on their pedagogical and art specific skills and knowledge and provide practical ideas and strategies to develop a high quality, inclusive and broad art curriculum.
Who do we work with?
We work with teachers of art and art leads to design programmes of activity that respond to the needs and the interests of the teacher and school/MAT aims.
Examples of our offer
A current example of our work is the Art Leader Network programme developed in partnership with Central Co-operative Learning Trust, involving ten primary schools. This year the network has taken part in a range of professional learning activities:
- An audit of current art provision and setting priorities for leadership and curriculum development.
- Practical art skill building sessions focused on building teacher knowledge and confidence.
- A art gallery visit to grow teacher understanding of how an exhibition can be used as a learning space and inspiration for pupils’ art learning and visual literacy development.
- Regular on-line network sessions to connect, share learning and problem solve.
- An online interactive session with Art UK focused on building visual literacy, oracy and increasing diversity in the art teaching.
- Teachers are reporting back the difference this is making to their confidence as art leaders, the range of resources and connections they can draw on and the increased sense of value and esteem of their subject by their school and trust.