I give them frames for learning… I make their learning authentic by suggesting
experiences for them as well. In Year 9 we really focus on the elements of Composition
in Art and Design. So the kids are instructed in knowing what they are… However,
through that we can build units, for example we might have an inquiry question, like
how can I make a great composition? To do that, you have to understand the parts of Art
that build a composition of work. Whatever theme or slant we’re going to take, the units
will develop out of that. We’ve always been pretty confident in what we’re doing…
All good Art programs will have the processes of making art built in, from the idea
development, research, experiments, resolving ideas and productions of work. I keep a
sequential assessment going with them, where they actually got the control of the
assessment. I like to see visible learning. It’s got to be in front of me, put up and
displayed, so we can comment and the kids can comment on it…. When they are doing
it, you can see the little lights go on in their heads, they come up with ideas and I point
them in the direction of resources or artists that will help them. My job is to shortcut it
for them, so they can actually look at resources and having things in here for them. I can
do that as I have a lot of a library in my head, of experience. In the end, you do your
class stuff but if a student wants to know something and they can’t find out then you
have to engage with them. If they don’t have that connection with me, then they’ll
always be a bit in the background with their work, they won’t really connect with it…
Once they are on board, they fly.