Visual Arts subject leaders from across Meridian Trust came together at the renowned Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge for a day of collaboration, professional learning and strategic planning focused on strengthening arts education across the Trust.
The event brought together art educators from across Meridian Trust to share best practice, explore curriculum development, and build networks that will benefit students and teachers alike. Hosted in the unique creative setting of Kettle’s Yard, the day combined practical artistic experiences with discussions on key challenges and opportunities facing art departments.
A highlight of the training day was an artist-led workshop delivered by Holly Sandiford, providing teachers with an opportunity to engage in creative practice and reflect on how artistic experiences can enrich classroom teaching. The session encouraged experimentation, discussion and the sharing of ideas that can inspire students across all key stages.
Throughout the afternoon, subject leaders participated in strategic discussions focused on educational visits, assessment, curriculum planning and health and safety. They worked collaboratively to identify barriers to arts enrichment opportunities, including rising transport costs and logistical challenges, while developing practical solutions such as shared Trust-wide bookings and increased use of local and virtual cultural experiences.
Meridian Trust’s Kate Davies is the newly appointed Kettle’s Yard teacher Fellow, working both at Northstowe Learning Community and in Kettle Yard’s art gallery, with a remit to increase participation in gallery visits. Discussions highlighted new subsidised visit opportunities, collaborative working groups and resources designed to help schools increase cultural engagement and access to high-quality artistic experiences.
A key focus of the day was assessment and student achievement. Leaders shared strategies to support students, particularly those working around the crucial Grade 3 to Grade 4 threshold. These professional conversations reinforced the Trust’s commitment to ensuring all students are supported to achieve their full potential.
The day concluded with planning for future collaboration, including working groups focused on curriculum development, photography, A-level provision and strategies for high achievement.
Emily Bott, Curriculum Leader of Art at Meridian Trust, said: “Bringing together art leaders in a space such as Kettle’s Yard provides a valuable opportunity to reflect, collaborate and think ambitiously about arts education. The discussions throughout the day demonstrated the expertise that exists across our schools and our collective commitment to ensuring every student has access to rich, meaningful artistic experiences.”
The visual arts training day reflects Meridian Trust’s ongoing investment in professional development, and its commitment to fostering creativity, cultural engagement and excellence in visual arts education across all its schools.
