EducationThinking Teachers - Professional DevelopmentCase Study: Holy Name RC Primary whole school training Case Study: Holy Name RC Primary whole school training
This partnership project between Manchester Art Gallery and Holy Name Primary RC Primary School saw a whole school approach to developing the skills and knowledge required by teachers to conduct self-guided visits in a cultural setting.
Working with the deputy head teacher, gallery staff planned a series of twilight training sessions that ran over two terms. These were delivered at the gallery and at school and involved staff implementing their learning into medium-term planning as well as devising and delivering a self-guided visit to the gallery.
The training sessions included:
- Introduction to a number of techniques that encourage pupils to closely examine artworks as well as ways of structuring responses to them
- Exploration of specific works of art that related to the school's chosen theme, Changing Manchester
- Devising learning activities for the gallery setting, where teachers thought about and structured what they would do with their pupils when they visited
- Teachers were able to use PPA time, to observe a professional gallery educator deliver a session at the gallery to further develop their understanding
The programme resulted in all classes visiting the gallery, a group of teachers with a greater confidence and understanding in how to independently use the gallery to inspire their pupils, and gallery staff with a better understanding of the frameworks and pressures faced by teachers.
Teachers' feedback
"The time spent at the gallery beforehand was invaluable it allowed us to really develop the planning and make sure that the lessons fit."
"It was great to see the variety of approaches we could use, it is really important in terms of delivery and reaching all of your pupils."
"I was amazed by how much I learnt from my colleagues as well as the gallery staff, it was a great opportunity to share across the school."
