Devon Art Teachers 2022 Conference

​MAKE South West Exhibition Centre in Bovey Tracey was the perfect location for the SWIFT and Ventrus Multi Academy Trust Secondary Art Teachers Conference for our Secondary Art Professional Community.
 
It was great for over 30 Secondary Art Teachers from across the South West to be able to gather face to face to hear from inspiring speakers and get stuck into practical 3D Art.

The morning started with a welcome from Sam Eyre and Tim Wightman, our SWIFT Professional Community Leads, and Ian Wilkins giving everyone an understanding of what MAKE South West is all about and how it can support schools. This was followed by Natalie Ryrie, Curriculum Development Lead from Education South West who gave an inspiring talk around curriculum design in Secondary Art.
 
After this it was time to get creative. The sun shone on half of the group as they crafted their stone carving skills whilst the other half had opportunity to look around the exhibitions to gain inspiration in order to make a 3D model, before swapping round so that everyone had opportunity to experience both workshops.

After lunch, Sculptor Mark Gregory was the keynote to wrap up the day’s events.
 
This inspiring and positive day of Art was only the beginning. The group networked throughout the day to make sure that they keep in contact and be part of next year’s Professional Community sessions.

Report by Chris Barnett and Shannon Stacey, Ventrus Multi Academy Trust