Creative Report: What I have Learnt

Katie Acres - Primary School teacher, studied an Open University Degree

From interviewing Katie, another route into teaching became aware to me, however I’m not sure this exists anymore. However there is still the option of studying an Open University Degree. I am going to take up her advice of volunteering, as I have already done quite a lot, however I wish to continue as this is the best way to get experience. Katie’s opinion on art in schools gives hope that it could change if enough people get involved and consider the importance of it. Her creative side gives me hope that I can still continue being creative and even carry out personal projects alongside working. 

Sonia Crewe - Primary School teacher, studied BEd with art and design

After interviewing Sonia, looking at another new route into teaching, however I know from past experience these are few and far between, and most BA in Primary Education are entwined with academic subjects. From both Sonia and Katie I have seen their passion for keeping art in the curriculum and how important they both see it. Specifically in the way it’s the one subject where there is no wrong or right answer. It became apparent that it’s important to get experience in a range of settings, which is my reason for looking at experience in secondary schools and multiple primary schools over Summer. It is also possible to use your creative talents within school and relay these to the children.  Her reasons for entering the creative industry were similar to mine, that it’s hard to get into and it’s more to do with who you know not what you know, but similarly she can always fall back on her creative talents in the future. 

Louise Lockhart - Illustrator and founder of Printed Peanut

It’s important for art to be free and creative in schools, which it isn’t at the moment. It needs to be taught differently and give children the chance to express themselves. People also need to value the creative industry and people within it more highly, experiencing this first hand, it’s annoying when people don’t understand how hard you work. I’ve learnt from Louise that you don’t need to have found your niche or have a specific style, it will come overtime. Louise also highlighted the importance of social media to me and that I should use it more to get contacts and network and become a part of that creative family. 

Dan Haycocks - Graphic Design Teacher, studied fine art and trained on the job

Dan again, similar to Katie and Louise didn’t have a good experience of art at school, which shows that things needs to change and maybe I could play a role in that. It’s also important to remember that art is equally s important as other subjects and all subjects have the ability to be creative. Similar to me Dan thinks that there is not enough money to be earned in the creative industries, or if so it’s very hard to do so. He also had another interesting route into teaching, which isn’t as common now, so it would be hard for me to go through this route. Dan showed the importance of not letting your job take over, you can still be passionate, but still have time for loved ones and it’s rewarding when children are enthusiastic and engaged. He also showed me the importance of inspiring, passionate teachers because without them, the creative subjects will decline even more. Also his opinions on how important it is for primary school teachers to be liked by the kids and make them laugh and be kind.