Students share the art of teaching with local primary school

First Year Students, studying BA Primary Education at the University of Northampton, gave pupils from Standens Barn Primary School a lesson not to forget last week, as they let loose their creative side.

The University of Northampton has a strong history inspiring the teachers of the future, having trained teachers in Northampton for over forty years. Eighty-one students in their first year at the University, have been running art sessions at Waterside Campus with the local primary school. The 28 pupils, in Year Four at Standens Barn Primary School, came to the University campus to take part in specialist art lessons, which were planned and taught by the student teachers. The first session saw the pupils discover printmaking, followed by a session working with clay, both sessions were underpinned by studies into the work of traditional and contemporary artists.

Alison Allerton, Deputy Head at Standens Barn said: “The experience of going to the University, and having specialist art lessons has been fantastic for the children. The pupils worked in small groups with the University students, and really benefited from the small group teaching. At Standens Barn, we believe that learning should be exciting and stimulating, we encourage children to be creative, to try out ideas and explore their learning, these art sessions with the University certainly did that.”

Rebecca Heaton, Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Northampton said: “There has been a sharp decline in the way creative subjects, such as art, are delivered in Primary Schools across the country; often our students on placements within schools don’t get the opportunity to teach art. This partnership with Standens Barn is an excellent opportunity for our students to develop their knowledge and skills in delivering specialist art sessions that prioritise skill progression and critical studies of artist’s work.

“The school pupils have the opportunity to take part in focused small group art teaching, that ties directly to the school curriculum. This develops their skill, knowledge and passion for art. It is also a great opportunity for the pupils to taste University life, which we hope will inspire them to consider going to university in the future and potentially support or raise aspirations.”