New teachers inspire next generation of designers

The wonders of the sea inspired students’ first experience of running a school art class.

Seashells, conches and clams were moulded into fabulous clay tiles by 15-year-olds under the tutelage of PGCE Art and Design students from Liverpool John Moores University.

The trainee teachers also led theory and practical learning in printmaking, collage, and large-scale drawing with pupils at North Liverpool Academy, in Everton.

Subject lead, Dr Lynn Sampson-Chappell, from LJMU’s School of Education, said: Everyone really had an enjoyable time. It was great to see our learners becoming teachers, and that they were able to apply some of their theoretical knowledge and show off some pedagogical skills.”

North Liverpool Academy is a valued LJMU partnership school and notable for its culturally rich and linguistically diverse environment with 20 languages spoken among pupils, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Urdu. The Academy has a strong commitment to inclusivity and its tailored educational support for all learners.

During the workshop sessions, LJMU students demonstrated a range of inclusive teaching strategies, designed to support students with EAL, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and a variety of attainment levels.

Dr Sampson-Chappell, a senior lecturer, added: “This collaboration exemplifies the benefits of LJMU’s strong partnerships with local schools, reinforcing to pupils that university study—and the pursuit of the arts—is within their reach.

“It’s satisfying to provided invaluable learning for our trainee teachers in the importance of thoughtful planning, adaptability, and high expectations for every learner”.

If you're interested in studying to become a teacher, read more here.