Developing Effective Arts Learning

Carclew to show teachers what’s the DEAL with arts

Over the next 3 and a half years, approximately 120 primary teachers from 60 South Australian government schools will undertake hands on professional development guided by practicing artists as part of a new program to introduce new and innovative approaches to arts education.

Run in partnership with Department for Education and Child Development, the Developing Effective Arts Learning (DEAL) program will upskill teachers to deliver the arts curriculum in ways that will increase engagement and improve learning outcomes of students.

Artists will observe and work closely with teachers to explore and develop delivery of the arts curriculum in primary schools before the teachers undertake an 8-week project where they will practice and alter new learning approaches in their class. Teachers who complete the program will share the outcomes within their school and across its partnership.

DEAL will run from 2018 to 2020, with groups of 40 teachers from 20 schools and 12 artists participating each year.

Executive Director Learning Improvement, Susan Cameron said
"This partnership with Carclew is a fantastic example of how we successfully collaborate with other sectors to build on ideas and improve outcomes for children and young people in education. Our schools are always open to new and innovative ways to upskill our educators and DEAL is sure to invigorate outlooks on how the arts curriculum can be inspiring and engaging for young people. Some schools are incorporating skills such as the creativity of the arts and enquiry into STEM subjects, showing that educators are seeing value in what the arts can bring into all areas of learning."

Carclew Chief Executive, Tricia Walton said
"Carclew has a long and mutually beneficial relationship with DECD and a key aim of our work is to embed creativity in schools for students and their learning outcomes. We are committed to utilising our resources to positively influence creative thinking in young people and highlight the social, health and educational benefits of youth arts engagement."

Download the media release here