The EVC Magazine Autumn/Winter 2024 - Magazine - Page 15
SCHOOL STORY: A DAY WITH A SILVERSMITH
ART IN ACTION
HOW HANDS-ON VISITS CAN UPSKILL AND INSPIRE
YOUR STUDENTS
Simon Turner, Art and DT Teacher at Queenswood School wanted to inspire his A-level DT
students to see the potential of the techniques they were learning in school. Here’s what
happened when he challenged a group of students to become silversmiths for the day.
V
isits to art galleries and museums have
their place in art and design, but I wanted
to provide an experience that would stretch
and challenge some of the older students on a
practical level. To reinforce our learning in class,
I organised a day with a silversmith, where my
A-level students could learn techniques that they
could apply to their work back in school.
It was a very hands-on experience – the students
were actively involved throughout, and, because
they finished the day having made a number
of their own items, there was a real sense of
achievement.
Our visit to Anna Lovell’s workshop started with a
safety briefing before she explained clearly what
we were going to do, and then the practical work
began.
Each student successfully made a piece of
jewellery in brass, then bronze and finally silver,
helping each other and sharing skills throughout.
They practised a wide range of techniques and
used specialised equipment, including carefully
supervised use of a blow torch(!), reinforcing the
importance of following instructions carefully, and
maintaining focus to safely produce their items.
I would definitely recommend exploring
opportunities to visit makers in their own spaces.
As a teacher of a practical subject, I enjoyed
the experience too. I even learnt some new
techniques I could take back to the classroom.
Lightbulb moments
There were numerous lightbulb moments as the
students directly related the techniques they
were using, and the results they achieved, with
the technical theory they had been taught in the
classroom.
Next, we’re planning to take our year 10’s
weaving. At this stage, the teachers are more
excited than the students but, based on our
silversmith experience, I’m confident that will all
change once they’re there!
CONTINUED OVER PAGE
THE EVC MAGAZINE – AUTUMN/WINTER 2024-25
15
