Photographs I am exhibiting in the half year review show:
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Northern Landscapes
I have been photographing my home in Cliviger and the Ribble Valley. This is very rural, with lots of nature and countryside. The opposite to this is my home in Manchester, which is a very built up and industrial city. I consider the two both my home but I wanted to portray them both in one image. To see what they would look like layered on top of each other. I achieved this by taking photographs of the two areas and double exposing them on top of each other.
I am pleased with the photographs, especially the ones were it looks as though the foliage from the countryside is taking over the city. This reminds me of films such as 'I Am Legend' and '28 Days Later' where the city has been abandoned and foliage has began growing on the buildings and streets of the city.
Image from the film 'I am Legend'
I am pleased with the photographs, especially the ones were it looks as though the foliage from the countryside is taking over the city. This reminds me of films such as 'I Am Legend' and '28 Days Later' where the city has been abandoned and foliage has began growing on the buildings and streets of the city.
Image from the film 'I am Legend'
Preparation for the PGCE Interview
Presentation
I feel a current educational issue facing teachers today is the lack of creativity in education.
What is creativity?
My interpretation of creativity is an idea that is original and of value. It requires lateral thinking and the confidence to take risks. Many people associate creativity primarily with the arts, however this is not the case. Creativity can be promoted across the whole curriculum.
Children are afraid of expressing their ideas in case of failure and being judged if they get a question wrong. The use of tests and exams to measure children's academic ability has increased greatly over the years, and the publication of school league tables has led to rigid and restrictive teaching methods. Individual talents and creative abilities are being stifled.
How can creativity be encouraged in schools?
Creativity, Culture and Education Scheme argues that bringing creative agents such as visual artists, writers and poets can help to encourage creativity with the children and inspire teachers to work in new ways. When the teacher's creative ability is engaged, the behaviour will then be modelled by the children. The surroundings of the school are also important to encourage children's creative abilities; materials on display, seating arrangements and that the room is not cluttered. The social environment is also essential. Treating the children with respect and as individuals encourages children's self esteem and will make them feel confident to engage and express their creative abilities.
Why is it important to encourage creativity in education?
To improve children's motivation, confidence, initiative and achievement and to prepare them for life and future careers. Creativity is a 'buzz' word, it is contagious. In order for schools to produce students who are well equipped to adapt to the ever changing world, creativity is a vital ingredient of the education system.
Handwritten Task
'The Teacher I Want To Be...'
I have always had a strong passion for teaching, through my work experience in schools I have an understanding of the teacher I want to be, hopefully fulfilling this in the future.
On numerous work placements I learnt many key skills needed for teaching. Sharing the learning objectives and success criteria is important. Appreciating that children are individuals, different learning styles and differentiation in the classroom is necessary.
While taking part in the Student Associate Scheme, I understood that confidence and enthusiasm are significant qualities to have. Presence is also an important factor. Engaging the children is not always easy, therefore having an assertive nature and being able to adapt quickly to situations is essential.
Building up an empathetic rapport and having respect for one another is important for the children to develop academic and social skills. Being, fun, fair and firm can help create a safe learning environment where children are not afraid to take risks.
During my degree I have regular presentations and group work, helping me to develop my listening and teamwork skills. Teaching can occasionally present behaviour and learning challenges, however, I believe with my strengths I am prepared for this.
I feel a current educational issue facing teachers today is the lack of creativity in education.
What is creativity?
My interpretation of creativity is an idea that is original and of value. It requires lateral thinking and the confidence to take risks. Many people associate creativity primarily with the arts, however this is not the case. Creativity can be promoted across the whole curriculum.
Children are afraid of expressing their ideas in case of failure and being judged if they get a question wrong. The use of tests and exams to measure children's academic ability has increased greatly over the years, and the publication of school league tables has led to rigid and restrictive teaching methods. Individual talents and creative abilities are being stifled.
How can creativity be encouraged in schools?
Creativity, Culture and Education Scheme argues that bringing creative agents such as visual artists, writers and poets can help to encourage creativity with the children and inspire teachers to work in new ways. When the teacher's creative ability is engaged, the behaviour will then be modelled by the children. The surroundings of the school are also important to encourage children's creative abilities; materials on display, seating arrangements and that the room is not cluttered. The social environment is also essential. Treating the children with respect and as individuals encourages children's self esteem and will make them feel confident to engage and express their creative abilities.
Why is it important to encourage creativity in education?
To improve children's motivation, confidence, initiative and achievement and to prepare them for life and future careers. Creativity is a 'buzz' word, it is contagious. In order for schools to produce students who are well equipped to adapt to the ever changing world, creativity is a vital ingredient of the education system.
Handwritten Task
'The Teacher I Want To Be...'
I have always had a strong passion for teaching, through my work experience in schools I have an understanding of the teacher I want to be, hopefully fulfilling this in the future.
On numerous work placements I learnt many key skills needed for teaching. Sharing the learning objectives and success criteria is important. Appreciating that children are individuals, different learning styles and differentiation in the classroom is necessary.
While taking part in the Student Associate Scheme, I understood that confidence and enthusiasm are significant qualities to have. Presence is also an important factor. Engaging the children is not always easy, therefore having an assertive nature and being able to adapt quickly to situations is essential.
Building up an empathetic rapport and having respect for one another is important for the children to develop academic and social skills. Being, fun, fair and firm can help create a safe learning environment where children are not afraid to take risks.
During my degree I have regular presentations and group work, helping me to develop my listening and teamwork skills. Teaching can occasionally present behaviour and learning challenges, however, I believe with my strengths I am prepared for this.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Moving on from my colour double exposure Photographs I wanted to learn how to process and develop my own photographs. I had a photography induction in the first year of university however did not use the photograph workshops to my full advantage. I had another induction to refresh my memory and got straight into it. The first film I processed was not a great success however with patience and determination I continued to practise. I feel I have really improved and have learnt how to process and develop my own film. In the wet darkroom I have developed my film, using the enlarger to print the image on the photographic paper then soaking it in the developer and the fixer, with a stop bath in between to ensure the effects of the developer can be neutralised. I like using the wet darkroom because you can choose how the length of time the photograph is soaked in the solutions depending on the result you want. It requires a lot of precision and patience but I feel I have a greater control over the final image. I love watching the image appear on what was once a blank sheet of paper.
After a few weeks in the wet darkroom and I felt confident with the equipment I progressed into the machine darkroom, which can develop black and White and colour photographs. The machine darkroom is a lot quicker process because instead of soaking the photograph in the developer and fixer solutions myself, a machine does it. Therefore while I am waiting for it to finish I am able to produce more. However, it is a lot more tedious and requires patience but the final result is definitely worth the wait! It is very exciting knowing you have processed and developed your own photographs. I feel a real sense of achievement an satisfaction.
Continuing with the double exposure work I lay two films on top of each other in the enlarger and experimented with the exposure time, focusing the image and changing the aperture stops. This took some time to master but enjoyed experimenting and seeing the result of each photograph.
After a few weeks in the wet darkroom and I felt confident with the equipment I progressed into the machine darkroom, which can develop black and White and colour photographs. The machine darkroom is a lot quicker process because instead of soaking the photograph in the developer and fixer solutions myself, a machine does it. Therefore while I am waiting for it to finish I am able to produce more. However, it is a lot more tedious and requires patience but the final result is definitely worth the wait! It is very exciting knowing you have processed and developed your own photographs. I feel a real sense of achievement an satisfaction.
Continuing with the double exposure work I lay two films on top of each other in the enlarger and experimented with the exposure time, focusing the image and changing the aperture stops. This took some time to master but enjoyed experimenting and seeing the result of each photograph.
Monday, 13 December 2010
PGCE application
Invitation for an interview to discuss my application:
http://co104w.col104.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
Dear Applicant,
Further to your application for a place on the above course, I am writing to invite you to attend an interview at the Didsbury campus on Wednesday 5th January 2011 at 12.30 pm so that we may discuss your application.
To confirm whether or not you will be attending the interview or to re-schedule your interview date please reply to this e-mail making sure you list the date of your interview and course as the subject of your e-mail. It is essential that you contact us ahead of the interview to confirm your attendance.
(continued in the link)
Preparation for the interview. There are three stages to the interview:
English handwritten task
2 minute individual presentation followed by a group discussion
5 minute individual interview
The Presentation
The presentation should begin, 'I feel a current educational issue facing teachers today is...' Two minutes to present my ideas, do not read from a pre-prepared script but a few notes can be helpful.
Group Discussion
Working in groups of 3-5, the discussion will follow on questions and issues prompted by the individual presentations.
Individual Interview
Opportunity for interviewers to clarify points of detail regarding your application. Why do I want to be a teacher?
Handwritten Task
Asked to write one page of A4 only on the topic of 'The Teacher I Want To Be'
http://co104w.col104.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
Dear Applicant,
Further to your application for a place on the above course, I am writing to invite you to attend an interview at the Didsbury campus on Wednesday 5th January 2011 at 12.30 pm so that we may discuss your application.
To confirm whether or not you will be attending the interview or to re-schedule your interview date please reply to this e-mail making sure you list the date of your interview and course as the subject of your e-mail. It is essential that you contact us ahead of the interview to confirm your attendance.
(continued in the link)
Preparation for the interview. There are three stages to the interview:
English handwritten task
2 minute individual presentation followed by a group discussion
5 minute individual interview
The Presentation
The presentation should begin, 'I feel a current educational issue facing teachers today is...' Two minutes to present my ideas, do not read from a pre-prepared script but a few notes can be helpful.
Group Discussion
Working in groups of 3-5, the discussion will follow on questions and issues prompted by the individual presentations.
Individual Interview
Opportunity for interviewers to clarify points of detail regarding your application. Why do I want to be a teacher?
Handwritten Task
Asked to write one page of A4 only on the topic of 'The Teacher I Want To Be'
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Friday, 10 December 2010
The Wayuu Taya Foundation
Local plastic artists visited Tepichi Talashi School for an afternoon of art with the children in the community. Local artists with over 25 Tepichi Talashi children intervened wooden pieces known as 'taparas' and other creations such as collars, vases, and other containers made from clay. The children hand painted all of the pieces with their own designs, decorating them with traditional Wayuu figures.
I am interested in this blog as it is artists helping and working with children that live in a country that a less fortunate, giving them the opportunity to learn about art and develop new skills. The Wayuu Taya Foundation is a non governmental, non profit organistion founded in 2002 to help improve the lives of Latin-American indigenous communities while maintaining their culture, traditions and beliefs.
I have been researching into doing volunteer work abroad after my degree to help teach children in Africa.
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