Art & Design

The Subject Application part of the Art & Design PGCE Course is continually revised and updated in order to respond to feedback from trainees and mentors and to take account of ongoing government initiatives and legislation. It has been planned to include a range of experiences that will allow trainees to develop the knowledge, skills, understanding and awareness to become good Art & Design teachers. There are three elements that contribute to this: the Subject Application course; the generic Professional Studies course and the two school placements. Making coherent links between these three elements is essential if trainees are to exploit the course to its full potential and make the most of their development opportunities over the course of the year.

During the course trainees will become acquainted with the content and nature of the Art & Design curriculum 11 - 18 and will develop a language to describe the teaching and learning of Art & Design. Relevant literature such as the National Curriculum, OFSTED Reports, and the National Strategies will provide a framework to describe Art, the variety of activities, outcomes of related activities and ways of promoting Art & Design in the classroom. A wide range of exemplar resources and methods will be used so that trainee teachers experience different approaches, reflect on their experiences and consider the implications for the classroom. Specific aspects of classroom organisation and management of the National Curriculum and the National Strategies will be introduced. The appropriate use of ICT in teaching and learning in Art & Design will be addressed throughout the course. Sessions will involve trainees in discussions, presentations of work and practical activities. Each session is supported by relevant subject reading.

Art & Design in the National Curriculum - Key Concepts

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of art, craft and design. Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding.

1.1 Creativity

1. Producing imaginative images, artefacts and other outcomes that are both original and of value.

2. Exploring and experimenting with ideas, materials, tools and techniques.

3. Taking risks and learning from mistakes.

1.2 Competence

1. Investigating, analysing, designing, making, reflecting and evaluating effectively.

2. Making informed choices about media, techniques and processes.

1.3 Cultural understanding

1. Engaging with a range of images and artefacts from different contexts, recognising the varied characteristics of different cultures and using them to inform their creating and making.

2. Understanding the role of the artist, craftsperson and designer in a range of cultures, times and contexts.

1.4 Critical understanding

1. Exploring visual, tactile and other sensory qualities of their own and others' work.

2. Engaging with ideas, images and artefacts, and identifying how values and meanings are conveyed.

3. Developing their own views and expressing reasoned judgements.

4. Analysing and reflecting on work from diverse contexts.