PPP3 - Module Evaluation

PPP Module Evaluation

OUGD603

Holly O’Connor

Within this module I have been able to explore my routes and ambitions of going into the teaching profession, as well as exploring different avenues of graphic design and specifically ways to tie the two together.

My work experience allowed me to experience teaching a whole class by myself which was a really valuable experience, as well as being able to get a lot of advice and knowledge from Teachers, Teaching Assistants and even the children themselves. My other experience working as a Progression Ambassador allowed me to tie my two passions of teaching and creativity together, working with children carrying out different art skills as well as carrying out a range of workshops.

My personal branding all revolves around my ambitions of going into teaching and being able to introduce creativity into all aspects of my teaching style and throughout the curriculum and classroom. The branding mainly has a focus on social media and digital designs, as this is the most important aspect to have. It's important to have a professional online presence for employers, parents and even possible children to see, as well as having a professional profile and identity to share inspiration, ideas as well as communicating with other teachers and educational establishments and keeping up with the latest educational news and changes. 

Within Extended Practice I have been able to work on briefs which bring my design skills together with designing for children and education. I feel as though I am well equipped with a range of skills which I can apply to my teaching career, as well as any other careers I may go into in the future.

In conclusion this module has helped me to use my creativity and design skills hand in hand with teaching and use it as something which will help me stand out and how I can apply it in the classroom and when teaching. With my portfolio, advice and knowledge from a range of creative industry professionals, I also feel prepared if I ever wanted to go back into the creative industry in the future.

Design Strategy - Save the World Wide Web Conference

6B2 - Taking interest and research to help me to further develop my teaching practice and knowledge to stand out and have a better understanding of the relationship between technology and children.


I have applied for a ticket and space at the following conference at Chester University. 

The conference explores the kaleidoscope of issues with young people online; how do we introduce innovative learning recognise reality needed to encourage safe behaviours rather approaches in schools to understand risk, improve resilience and than expect restrictive practices to bear fruit?

03 Jul, 09:30 – 16:45

University of Chester, Riverside Campus,
Castle Dr, Chester CH1 1SL, UK

Design Strategy - Young Creatives

6B2 - Taking part in progression opportunities which will enhance my skills and knowledge, also giving me experiences which I can talk about and will help me to stand out. 


Throughout this semester I have attended young creatives most Saturdays, carrying out different activities such as animation, painting and drawing. 

As well as being able to get experience working with a range of age groups of young children, which is important for my future prospects. I also learnt a lot about other areas of art and design which I hadn't yet experienced. One of these was animation, learning about stop frame animation using apps. it was rewarding to see what the children created and then being able to see their videos on youtube. I also learnt to appreciate the art of animation after being shown a video on how they created the hare and bear John Lewis christmas advert.  

I have been able to see first hand how the sessions are planned and how to have extension tasks for children who finish early. As well as a range of different approaches to art and how to bring teaching into it in an exciting and engaging way. Looking at ceramics, screen printing and drawing. 

Another aspect I enjoyed was using the process of screen printing with the children and seeing what they thought of it and the images they created. An important thing I have learnt is to not dictate or push them to do different ideas or use certain colours and to let them be free and creative in what they do. Which is what I would like to apply to myself as a teacher and in my classroom. 

Design Strategy - Work Experience Workshop

6B2, 6A2 - Creating resources using my understanding and knowledge of design and communication as well as taking opportunities to implement my skills. 

During my work experience at Market Drayton Junior School I was lucky enough to be able to take a class of Year 5 students to deliver a lesson. I created all the resources myself, giving them a logo quiz to begin with before getting them to design their own restaurant brand which consisted of a name, logo and mascot. 

The experience gave me an insight into taking a whole class on my own, how to engage them, how to speak to them as well as time management. It made me realise how excited I am to go into teaching and also it was very rewarding to see every single one of the kids in the class take part and really enjoy the project. It was a way to incorporate my teaching and design skills together as well as focusing on the importance of creativity. It turned out the kids in the class said that they don't get to do much art very often which was sad to hear and made me realise how important it is for me to try and put creativity into everything I do and teach when I become a teacher. 

Below shows some of the best designs from the kids in the class;

Design Strategy - Skills Evaluation

6B2 - Evaluating and understanding the context and array of my skills which apply to both the design and teaching industries. 


During the past three years I have learnt and developed a lot of key skills which can be applied to both Graphic design and teaching. The skills required for being a professional and successful graphic designer are every versatile and can be applied in the real world throughout a range of different careers. For examples working on collaborative projects allowed me to practise my teamwork and leadership skills, focusing on making compromises, making decisions and organising groups of people. 

An important aspect of graphic design, and also what design is all about is communicating to a range of different audiences in the most effective ways. This has given me the skills to create meaningful resources and presentations in the classroom, as well as knowing which tone of voice to use when talking and presenting to different ages. Also the skills I have developed on a range of design software allow me to create resources and visual, engaging presentations as well as being competent on important softwares if I ever want to go back into the creative industries.

Presenting and pitching ideas, as well as being in part of feedback and crit groups have made me more confident with speaking in and to large groups of people. As well as showing me the importance of engaging, visual presentations, using images is key to get people to watch and listen, as well as telling a story. All of these are important skills when standing up in front of a class of 30 and getting them to focus and enjoy what they are learning. 

My creative skills also give me an advantage on creating exciting lesson plans, presentations and displays within the classroom. My goal is to use creativity and apply it through every subject, not just art and design, as I believe this is the key to getting children to retain information as well as enjoying school and wanting to come in every day excited, engaged and ready to learn. 

Work experience in various schools over the past three years has allowed me to learn directly from teachers and their approaches to preparation, planning, and assessment. I have seen, first hand, some of the obstacles that teaching staff face when working with children with different special educational needs, pupil premium, or looked after children. Working alongside school staff has not only honed my relationship-building abilities, but I have seen how they interpret government curriculums by following short, mid and long-term planning. By working with different year groups, I have observed how teachers differentiate their teaching methods to cater for a range of ability.

In conclusion the skills and knowledge I have learnt and developed through my degree as well as work experience in schools and as a progression ambassador has allowed me to be well prepared for my teaching career and PGCE. More specifically the skills I have learnt through designing will help me to stand out and be the best teacher I can be, they are also skills which I can apply just generally in the real world and industry as well as any other careers I may go into in the future.