Sunday 16 September 2012

Work work work

I just wanted to share what has been happening to me in the last wee while. I am back at work, for those of you who do not know I teach at an Further Education College, it is a new term with new responsibilities and challenges, and I am just about to add to that, with another exciting new job teaching art online.

One of the early pleasures this year, is teaching a group from a local school figure drawing. I have never taught school pupils before. The students that I have been teaching of this age group previously have been the people that school and education has not worked well for. It has made me much happier about our education system to have such a eager, engaged group of young people who really want to learn.


Above: Mini Me self portraits with school group.

Despite being an ardent exponent of 'imagination', I am a strong believer in a solid foundation of drawing.
 'Mini Me' self portraits with NC Introduction to creative arts.
Due to the variety of students that I teach, I believe that the more creatively you can deliver these skills the easier and faster they will be acquired, and by more of them. So it has been fun, we have just been studying portraiture and self portraiture so far and I am trying to introduce elements of identity and broaden ideas of the self and others.

13 comments:

  1. I really enjoy seeing what you do with your students, and I'm sure many other people do too. Hope you're having fun, despite all your new responsibilities.
    Good luck with the new job!

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  2. Good luck with the new academic year Hazel.

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  3. When you say your students are ones that 'school and education has not worked well for' I am surmising that they are those kids with issues that often result in (often significant) behavior problems. It is wonderful that you are reaching out to these students where other attempts have not been successful! All the best wishes in your new endeavors!!!

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    1. Hello Elizabeth,
      For the past seven or so years I have been working with students who for many complex reasons school has failed to motivate and inspire educationally. Often with very complex and disadvantaged backgrounds, who are often exposed to very adult problems and responsibilities that find school patronising and as their are no jobs in their communities not practicable or useful.
      It is great to work with these people and show them that you can have fun, learn and be creative.
      This year I have less involvement with this type of student, I continue to work with adults and young people with physical and mental difficulties, as well as students of fashion, furniture and art portfolio.
      Thank you for your good wishes. Hazel

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  4. The Students are So lucky!!! Good Luck and big WIshes!

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  5. Our current mainstream systems of education need a thorough reviewing. It looks like you are bringing the creativity back into education in a very sophisticated yet fun way. I'd love to be a part of that kind of thing. Yay to you!

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  6. Absolutely love that first picture!

    Good luck with the new academic year Hazel :)

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  7. Hi Hazel,
    I have been avidly following your blog, and am deeply flattered that you have posted my collages! Thank you for your kind comments...
    Teaching 'art' to any age student is such a rewarding vocation, especially when those disillusioned children find that they can excel in a subject that is so varied and has so many applications for the world of work!
    I taught for 10 years in a further education college and despite it being challenging at times was great fun and really satisfying....and I miss it!
    Good luck with this term, I will look out for some student gems on your blog!
    best wishes

    Danielle

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  8. Thank you everyone for your lovely comments and encouragement, I am always amazed at how generous and lovely you are.

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  9. Hi Hazel

    Please keep us updated on your teaching online activities too!

    Kind regards
    Karen Hendrix

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