In the schools Inspection Handbook for Sept 2023, it is outlined:
237. As part of making the judgement about the quality of education, inspectors will consider the extent to which schools are equipping pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Our understanding of ‘knowledge and cultural capital’ is derived from the following wording in the national curriculum:
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'It is the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.'
Kirsten Black - Art Specialist
It is more important than ever to provide opportunities for our school children to explore their creativity and improve their cultural awareness. This can be a challenge as there are schools that have staff taking on subject leader roles that may be new to them. This can feel daunting but this is where I can be of assistance.
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I have a BEd (Hons) in Art and I am a ceramic and sculpture artist. I have been teaching in primary schools in both KS1 and KS2 for over 25 years. I also teach adult and children art workshops from home and for local arts organisations. I have worked in schools on behalf of arts organisations as an artist in residence. In my teaching career, I have been responsible for the art curriculum in three primary schools so have a lot of experience in teaching art and supporting teachers. I have recently led a school to achieve a Gold Artsmark award within the space of 4 years. This school is now working toward a Platinum Artsmark Award and is outreaching their skills to local schools with my help.
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I have experience of working with local schools to improve their art provision in school and provide CPD to staff on teaching art. I also have experience of supporting schools in writing their statement of commitment or the Artsmark Award. I have helped them to formulate their action plan in order to achieve an Artsmark award.
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The following links show some of the work I have been a part of:
Artswork: My Arts Journey Booklet
Artswork: Arts Award in Primary Schools - An Introduction
Artswork: Hosting first CPD Event from Champion Schools Programme in BOBMK
Artswork: Presentations - Building Creative Partnerships
Artswork: Developing and Embedding Pupil Voice in Schools and Education
OYAP Trust: Hosting a Bicester Schools Arts Festival
Bicester Arts Festival: Expanded from 3 Days to a Fortnight
Staff CPD
I offer on-site CPD to staff in staff meetings on teaching art. The CPD can include:
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Progression in sketchbooks: Look at progression in sketchbooks from year 1 to year 6 and how they can support your teaching of the skills and the creative process. Look at how to plan your lessons to show the process as well as the finished artwork.
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Teaching painting in KS1 and 2: Look at and explain progression in painting from EYFS to year 6. The staff will be shown a series of lessons for a specific year group to show the process as well as the finished artwork. The staff will then be given a chance to paint, linking it to the skills needed.
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Teaching sculpture in KS1 and 2: Look at and explain progression in sculpture from EYFS to year 6. The staff will be shown a series of lessons for a specific year group to show the process as well as the finished artwork. The staff will then be given a chance to make a soap carving linked to the work of Barbara Hepworth.
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Teaching ceramics in KS1 and 2: Look at and explain progression from EYFS to Year 6. Then staff will be given a chance to make using the skills in clay specific to their year group.
Cost
Staff CPD during normal staff meetings
£100 for a 90 minute staff meeting. The school will be responsible for providing the art materials needed for the CPD and I will inform the school beforehand what art materials may be needed.
Twilight Art Sessions
Art CPD for staff that is practical and fun and linked with the National Curriculum. This can be tailored to your school’s needs. Cost £200 for 3 hours.
Bespoke Package
This package will be bespoke to your school and your needs. The cost for my service is £75 an hour and the timeframe will be dependent on your needs.
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An additional mileage charge of 45 pence per mile will apply to schools outside the local Bicester area.
Artsmark
Artsmark Statement of Commitment Package
This package includes 6 hours to begin the Artsmark process. I will offer support in writing the statement of commitment. From this, I will then support the Artsmark
coordinator to think of the school vision and develop the action plan for the Artsmark process.
Cost: £500
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Artsmark ongoing support
This package consists of 10 hours of ongoing support to the Artsmark Coordinator throughout the year. I would meet termly to see how the action plan is going as well as offer advice and practical support to achieve their goals.
Cost: £600
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An additional mileage charge of 45 pence per mile will apply to schools outside the local Bicester area.
Arts Award
I am able to offer support in setting up Arts Awards opportunities in your school. I have worked with a number of local Arts organisations to create children’s booklets that link to the shows they are offering to schools. This means that the teacher has only had to follow the booklet for the children to achieve their Discover Arts Award linked to the
workshop or performance by the local arts organisations. I have also worked with Artswork as part of the Champion Schools Partnership to create the planning and resources for KS2 children to achieve their Explore Arts Award. This was trialled at Glory Farm School and 58 children in year 5 achieved their Explore Arts Award. This planning is now being offered through Artswork for the South East region. I am able to make resources similar to this and link it to your topics/curriculum in order for your children to achieve their Discover or Explore Arts Award. I will also support your teachers in the implementation of the work.
Recently, I was contracted by North Oxfordshire Cultural Education Partnership for two terms to be an Arts Award advocate for Cherwell DC. Through this I supported local arts organisations in setting up Arts Award opportunities for children and schools in our area. I also offered support to local schools in delivering Arts Award.
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I am an Arts Award Advisor at Discover, Explore and Bronze Levels. This means I can assess your school’s Arts Awards for you and support you in becoming an Arts Award Centre.
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Arts Award Development package
This package includes 12 hours over a year to provide ongoing support in setting up and running Arts Award opportunities for your school. This will include writing plans/children’s booklets for your staff to follow and support in assessing the work to be submitted for moderation/certification. It will also include liaising with local arts organisations to see what Arts Award Opportunities they can offer.
Cost: £600
An additional mileage charge of 45 pence per mile will apply to schools outside the local Bicester area.