05.03.14 - West Suffolk College Visit

Back in January at the university of Arts London conference I was sat next to the head of school and Foundation Diploma lecturer Derek Johnson based at West Suffolk College. Throughout the day we found ourselves discussing current issues we both shared with our current foundation models and environments in which we work in. We deiced that as part of our sharing good practice scheme we would visit each others institutions and tour the facilities as well a meet with the students to enable professional reflection upon what/how we were doing. The visit was a great opportunity to see how another college was delivering the Foundation Diploma, the spaces and facilitates and the type of work being produced on site. West Suffolk College is not within my own catchment area so there was no real issue with competition and "taking ideas". 

Having worked on the Foundation Diploma for a few years now it was interesting to see the different formats and the way in which work was carried out and projects completed. I personally felt there was more of a traditional quality with Derek's students comprising of drawing and illustration, as oppose to maybe the more computer/printmaking folios that my own students have. During the afternoon, there was an opportunity to join in with a final major project critique where the students were to discuss initial ideas before the Easter breaks, this was great to be part of; as my students had not started this final phase of the course. Plans for Derek to visit South Essex College have been arranged for the end of the month.

No comments:

Post a Comment