Secondary Art and Design PGCE – trainee experience of UBATO workshop

Mair Park is a trainee teacher on our (Secondary) |Art and Design PGCE course, who recently had an opportunity to attend a workshop day organised by The University of Brighton Art Teachers Organisation (UBATO).

Here she tells us a bit more about her experience:

“As students on the Art and Design Secondary PGCE, we have the unique opportunity to participate in UBATO – The University of Brighton, Art Teachers Organisation.

“The network connects art teachers across the region, for subject-specific opportunities that allow both primary and secondary teachers to share their expertise. It is obvious that these CPD workshops are treasured by members as a moment to wind-down after a busy term and develop their own artwork as well as their teaching pedagogy. 

“As a trainee at the very start of my journey, being surrounded by such a wealth of different experiences in a welcoming and supportive environment was invaluable. Students’ artwork was displayed from several schools, providing an insight into their unique projects, and generating ideas and discussion amongst us all.

“It was a challenge to choose between such a range of workshops, from Animation to Coding in Art, although I thoroughly enjoyed my choices of Shibori Dyeing, ‘Wacky Weaving and Funky Fabrics’, and Mosaics. Not only was it wonderful to play with new processes, but the workshops were geared towards how these practices could be best taught in school, informed by first-hand experience.

“Teachers shared the various hurdles and pitfalls as well as how to overcome these and practical advice such as how to source materials and keep costs down. We all gained an abundance of knowledge as well as examples to take into the classroom.

“It was so encouraging to witness the comradery and willingness to share and continue to develop amongst this community of artists and educators”.

Course Leader, Julie Howard said: “It is a great opportunity for the PGCE trainees to be actively involved in these UBATO CPD workshop days, not only do they increase their own subject-specific knowledge, and gain new ideas for the classroom, but they also get the chance to network with other art and design educators in a variety of school settings. It’s important to feel part of the bigger art and design educator community even when you are training”.

Find out more about training to teach at the University of Brighton.