Art teachers' work recognised by MPs

The work of art teachers and their students across the Black Country has been recognised in a presentation to MPs at Westminster.

Becky Thompson, education producer at Arts Connect, part of the University of Wolverhampton, was invited to the Houses of Parliament to speak about the organisation's Contemporary Art in the Classroom (CAIC) programme.

MPs heard how the project differs from more traditional models of art education, encouraging teachers to lead their own research and development.

Thompson said sharing the programme's impact in Parliament had been "an amazing experience".

Her presentation looked at the work of 165 teachers and more than 3,600 students from across the Black Country.

She shared examples of the impact this work had had on young people, including sharper critical thinking skills, increased confidence and joy in art, improved communication and language skills, the university said.

The event was also attended by teachers, members of the House of Lords, representatives from the National Education Union, Culture Commons and AccessArt with the meeting chaired by Lord Horton.

"The discussion really underlined how important it is that teachers are given the space, resources and trust to reflect on their practice and take the lead in their own professional development in ways that work for them and their students," Thompson added.

"It was also fantastic to connect with such passionate arts educators and advocates from across the sector."

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