My journey as an artist and educator has taught me the need to create a supportive learning environment that can develop confidence and nurture individual expression for the student. Using the opportunity of my PGCE teacher training in History, I was able to gain experience teaching KS3 and KS4 Art. I taught in a variety of media including pencil, colour pencil, watercolour and also printing.I was able to develop and make use of the existing art curriculum to not only push high performing students to a higher point but also to give other struggling students confidence and effective tools to tackle problems in drawing and painting. This has had the effect of nurturing student trust and encouraging them to reflect on their own learning.

I teach students through a combination of demonstrations and corrections. These are done digitally through a painting application for maximum clarity for the student. I would demo a drawing or painting for a student, explaining the steps and the thinking in my head. I would also set assignments and correct these assignments as needed digitally as well. The correction will be done in front of the student to make sure that they are aware what went well and what could be improved.

My extensive experience as an LSA at a Balham Secondary School has rewarded me with a number of skills and experiences. To begin with, I acquired extensive practical knowledge of how to meet a variety of SEN learning needs. I am able to effectively scaffold and support students in the most appropriate way to help them with their long term educational goals. I also further developed my mentoring experience while working with my key worker students. I was able to set achievable and measurable goals for these students to meet by the end of term.