Art Teacher

 Art is often seen as a soft subject by parents and students; however Art today is experiencing a  revival of importance as creative industries continue to expand and as universities and  employers give increasing value to creative and critical thinking. The Creative Arts are now  being seen as valuable parts of a well-rounded education and students that have achieved high  grades, in what is now a demanding and disciplined area of study are today in greater  demand. With this evidence widely available, I as an Art Teacher am empowered to promote  Art.  Whilst Visual Art is optional at GCSE level and beyond, there are clear reasons why  students should be encouraged to maintain a balanced educational experience for as long as  possible - a philosophy shared within the IB program. When students are encouraged to  develop conceptual thinking within a broader spectrum of subjects, they are more willing to  take risks and question their own understanding. Creativity and critical thinking are  increasingly important in this new and more digital and globalised world, skills that Art  education establishes.  

I am a firm believer that a strong and supportive pastoral role is fundamental in creating a  cohesive learning environment. The role of the form tutor is not limited to taking interest in  the academic achievements of student exclusively. A form tutor is an essential point of  contact with students, staff and parents, who are all important stakeholders in the  development and the success of any school. Tutors and pastoral teams build relationships  with students, provide positive role models and develop trust and monitor students in a more  holistic manner. 

I believe outstanding lessons provide challenge combined with a sense of discovery. This  helps to create a spirit of adventure that should become imbedded in staff and students and  therefore become part of the culture of a school. Art students should work collaboratively  solving problems as they learn how to manipulate a visual language. Teachers need to have  high expectations of students and recognise individual students learning styles differentiating  work appropriately to meet student’s needs. Students should find learning to be an enjoyable,  self-esteem and self-confidence building experience. Teachers should also have a strong work  ethic and sense of duty; teachers are entrusted with children that need to become equipped to  face the challenges of a rapidly changing globalised world. 

Many schools are now much more aware of the importance of developing the  student as a member of a global community. One of the ways this is achieved is through  Community Service initiatives.  By promoting community service within schools, students  learn to foster and care for others, as well as to appreciate the environment and the social and  political difference of other communities. I believe that it is also critical to bring community  service into the main-stay of school life. Students report that this experience embeds  responsibility and social cohesion and moral development. I believe that this can be hugely  beneficial to students.  Without the opportunity to become involved in community service  their global citizenship would be diminished.