Numeracy and Painting Workshop

Art and Design (Secondary) PGCE students were recently involved with a new project focusing on numeracy in art and looking at ideas for addressing this through painting. The aim was to introduce them to new materials and techniques that can be adapted to the secondary art curriculum and is part of our ongoing programme to develop student’s subject skills.

During the workshop, which took place in University of Brighton specialist art and design classrooms, students were taught via demonstrations and the use of high quality materials and resources. They were encouraged to examine how teachers can help with development of numeracy through their specialist subject route.  In particular, students focused on how the arts draw on mathematical ideas such as how visualisation skills provide a foundation for developing number relationships, pattern appreciation and spatial awareness.

The project allowed students to work in a practical workshop environment, sharing good practice as well as make resources for the classroom and their own portfolios.

Whilst developing abstract qualities in their work, students had to consider linking the workshop with numeracy and ways this can be addressed and developed with art and design. They looked at formal qualities, techniques and processes associated with acrylic painting and how this could be an accessible method for developing skills in painting for pupils.

Katie Emmett
“As a group, we considered ways of incorporating mathematical themes into art and design and I was surprised to discover there were a number of methods we were already using that could be easily translated into my project.

“These methods included areas such as ratios, cubism, constructions, symmetry, enlargement, tessellation, measuring, estimates, analysing data, reasoning; 3D forms, geometric understanding, size; angles, fractions and percentages

“I decided to incorporate mathematics into my project by looking at the theme of symmetry in nature, particularly focusing on moths and butterflies.”

Sally Johnson Route Leader
“It is important that we develop students understanding and ability to recognize the very real and helpful links with art and numeracy.

“Working closely with Sam Hobbs, our secondment tutor in art and design, we planned and taught a workshop exploring and experimenting with acrylic painting techniques that are very accessible in the secondary classroom. Students were encouraged to consider the painting surface and background and develop techniques and processes for using these materials well.

“As part of the project, students produced two canvases which are added to their portfolio as evidence of high quality subject knowledge. They will also be able to use these as visual resources for projects during their second placement.

“Working alongside peers is beneficial for sharing good ideas and engaging with experimenting and producing artwork.”