What's the Art department like in your child's School (S2)?

[Artforart]

Only I'm really disappointed with the experience my own child is having in S2 (City state school). DD has had lots of different teachers covering the 2 art periods they get a week, most of whom don't last long and move on. Head of Department doesn't seem to inspire or support their staff and it's all a bit lacklustre. One of my DDs main teachers went on maternity leave at the end of last year and they STILL haven't got any maternity cover. The kids are bored and there's a fair amount of disruptive behaviour as the kids are given another photocopy of a fruit bowl to draw for still life.

To add insult to injury I learnt from my DD yesterday that they are losing one of the 2 periods of Art for the forseeable future (at least until the S4s go off on Study Leave) and it is to be replaced with another math's lesson. No communication to the parents and I am sure some won't even find out unless their kids are bothered by it and mention it (my DD was bothered and did mention it).

I've contacted the Head Teacher by email who replied saying that they have not been able to find cover for Maternity leave and rather than have a lesson that's not being taught by an art teacher they have found the resources for an extra maths lesson. They say they are going to have an Arts Specialist in for the one period that remains and I look forward to seeing how that goes.

My DD wants to do Art at Nat 5 and I know it's quite a work-heavy subject. They are totally demotivated at the moment and I must admit, looking at the walls of the art room and the morale of most of the staff in that department, I don't blame her.

Although the Head Teacher said they value the role of Art within the curriculum I'm not seeing it myself.

How's your school's Art Department? Is this the general state of affairs in Art education across Scotland or just in my DD's school? (And am sure if this conversation gets going it might become obvious what school I am talking about hence my namechange )

I think the main problem is the lack of Art Teachers that are available for permanent posts. In my DC school there are two permanent teachers but there used to be one more but unfortunately when they left they were not replaced. Similar to you it was the provision or lessons to S1-S3 that was scaled back. I don't see things improving as budgets are squeezed.

I would say though that the school have been able to deliver Art with specialist teachers for Nat5 through to AH.

Are you Glasgow based? If you are then one route is to look at the lessons offered by Glasgow School of Art for children. The summer programme has not long been released for booking - there are also weekend classes from the autumn through to spring.

Excellent for both art and design (south lanarkshire). Corridors and rooms full of examples of students work in various mediums. Success in getting several students to Art Schools each year and even more to fashion courses. Wish other departments were so good.

Not aware of issues with staffing. Having one NQT and student teachers probably helps. Only my DD choose art as an option. She has definitely enjoyed art more in S3/S4 compared to S1/S2.More periods and only people who are keen (art not first choice for skivers at my DCs school - they tend to go for PE or drama).

Agree about the GSA summer program. My DD has done a couple of week long summer courses. They are expensive but materials are included and they have generous bursaries.

Have looked at the GSA Summer school and yes, really expensive but might have to invest in a week if we can. But it’s bad isn’t it because art can contribute so much, broaden horizons, build confidence, encourage expression etc. why should kids whose parents can’t afford the GSA summer schools be deprived.

CassArt in Glasgow also run an art course for senior secondary age which might be of interest. My 2 also did a week long summer school session run by Kelvingrove when they were round about S2. It came with SVQ accreditation and was cheap.

My lot are very lucky to have a fab Arts (Music, Art and Drama) department but that is due to individuals within the school more than anything else. Probably worth asking some questions about how many pupils normally do Nat 5 / Higher / AH Art to weigh up the school's likely future commitment. Our school has a relatively high uptake and so the commitment from the school and staff and hence pupils tends to be self perpetuating notwithstanding highish staff turnover.

Highly recommend the Nat 5 Art course as a subject choice. It is a heavy workload but both of mine have got tons and tons out of it.

Your school’s art department sounds fab. Our school has turned out to be a lot less impressive than it likes to make out. I’m actually shocked that the HT seems to think there’s no problem with the art department - there patently is!! Thanks for CASS art suggestion, I like that place!