MY BACKGROUND I’ve been an art teacher for almost 30 years in southwest London. I did my degree in Illustration (with Sarah, The Arty Teacher) and then went on to do my PGCE in Secondary Art and Design. I love teaching art and right from the beginning, I saw how the pastoral side of school […]
Flicking through an artist’s sketchbook can be a joy; there are so many inspiring sketchbooks to discover. There is something more intimate about it than looking at an artwork on a wall. You’re holding their creativity and thoughts in your hands, and you go on a journey through their ideas as you turn the pages. […]
Digital art is no longer a niche interest; it’s a vital part of contemporary visual culture and creative industries. As art teachers, we have the exciting (and slightly overwhelming) task of weaving digital media into our already packed art and design curricula. The challenge isn’t just in teaching it, but in choosing which platforms, apps […]
Are you looking for photography tasks to raise attainment? You’re in the right place. I was recently looking at the portfolios of some low-ability candidates from a special school. They had clearly had an excellent teacher as the process was all there and I could see how she had guided them to fulfil the assessment […]
How do we encourage intellectual development in art lessons? As art teachers, we know our subject offers more than just practical skills. While the ability to draw, paint, and manipulate materials is important, we must also prioritise the intellectual development of our students. Art is a thinking subject. It asks young people to make sense […]
As an art teacher, few things are more creatively recharging than immersing yourself in a place steeped in history, culture, and awe-inspiring beauty. On a recent visit to Istanbul, I was struck not only by its architectural wonders and artistic treasures, but by how much inspiration it holds for anyone who teaches or studies art. […]
