Trainee Placements

Di Markham

Di  worked alongside experienced artist Caroline Dalton in Richard Rose Academy delivering technical theatre sessions. The project involved 8 Yr 12 students. Some of the successes of the project included:
 

• A great project was delivered within a tight time frame
• Di developed a strong understanding of what can be achieved within a limited time frame with an  unclear brief
• Working with the young people was a very positive learning experience and Di is very strong when working with young people.
• Students had very limited making and sewing skills – Di was able to engage young people in new skills - use sewing techniques. By the end the participants were producing their own costumes.
   

Some of the challenges of the project included:
 

• It was difficult to get students in the right place and the right time
• The school had limited equipment and resources – Di brought everything needed to run the sessions
• Young people had very limited confidence and needed to be supported to move the work forward.
• Working to 6th form timetable is hard - never quite sure who was going to turn up as a result of this
• School asked a lot from the artists – this affected the end result
   

Learning notes:
 

• Quality of final work can be affected by an unrealistic brief - important to be very clear about the parameters of the project
• Schools will always change plans and demand more than anticipated - the artist has to manage this expectation.
• Working within carnival and community has developed Di’s transferable skills.
• Always check resources/ materials available within school, always come prepared
• Your reputation is essential – be prepared and organised because the school might be disorganised and a poor workshop reflects on the artists not the school

   

Faye Metcalfe

Faye worked alongside experienced artist, Ali McCaw, in St. Margaret Mary’s Primary school to produce a textile wall hanging for display in the school. The project involved 9 Yr 4 pupils. Some of the successes of the project included:
 

• Writing down children’s comments and listening to them was a useful tool in understanding their needs and interests
• Faye was able to build this work into her ongoing artistic practice, using the project as a research tool
• The Headteacher ensured that the project ran smoothly and the school was happy to work with an artist, responding positively to the project
• The children were able to engage in difficult textile work
• The support provided by Ali McCaw was invaluable
   

Some of the challenges of the project included:
 

• The room was not ideal
• Staff support was good in the morning but in the afternoon it was limited
   

Learning notes:
 

• Faye is now confident to take projects and meetings forwards on her own
• It would be good to work with other artists – develop opportunities to collaborate with other artists
• Limited school resources can impact on the children’s behaviour - artists must bring additional resources to ensure that everyone can use equipment