Exam season can be a stressful time for art teachers (to say the least!). So it is a good idea to get ready and hit the ground running. I’ve put a bit of time into preparing some new GCSE art exam preparation handouts that will support students to work independently and understand what they need […]
KS5
Drawing ideas to boost confidence and creativity
There are lots of approaches and techniques to teach drawing which boost confidence and creativity. Often, though, I find I am racking my brain in come up with the best approach to any given student or situation. So I decided to pull together the drawing ideas that I use most frequently… And here it is […]
Getting to grips with teaching drawing…
Teaching drawing ideas We talk about drawing a lot in art but why is it so important, and do we really communicate to students it’s full meaning and value? How much do we focus on teaching drawing ideas? Part of my recent personal interest in drawing has been sparked by the efforts of my toddler […]
Freedom Limitations mind-map for A level is here!
With over 50 artists linked to relevant artworks, I don’t mind telling you this took me a while. The mind-map I’ve put together for the A level Edexcel exam is printable at A3 and, used digitally, is clickable to link to websites with more information about artworks and artists. The idea is to inspire students […]
A level exam resources: student support materials for 2018
A level exam resources Want to kick the exam off with high expectations? Need your students to organise themselves and take responsibility for ensuring their work meets exam criteria? I’ve produced a couple of A level exam resources which might just help in achieving that lofty aim… An interactive mind-map for the Edexcel theme Freedom […]
Student guide to mind-mapping
At this time of year – and indeed many times of year – our thoughts turn to mind-mapping. How many mind-maps are produced, do you think, in the course of a young person’s school career? Lots, I suspect, and it is often taken as a given that we (students and teachers) know what we’re talking […]
Annotation, annotation, annotation…
Getting good art and design sketchbook annotation is no easy feat… It’s either too much or too little. Too wordy it sounds pompous and impersonal, or so basic it just describes an image with no analysis at all. I’ve tried word banks to help students, and analysis guides based on the formal elements, but none […]
Top art teaching books
I’ve never met an art teacher without an amazing library of Art books – I love have a browse through other people’s collections and I treasure my own. It’s also great when I get a recommendation, or find something that quickly becomes a ‘go-to’ for students in my art room. Here are some of my […]
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International Women’s Day 8th March 2017
Don’t forget to celebrate International Women’s Day in your art room on 8th March 2017! Even if it is just putting up a poster to mark the day, you will be reinforcing an important message and recognising the cultural achievements of women. To mark the occasion, I have put together a poster featuring inspiring and empowering […]