Welcome
A little about myself
Over the years I have worn many creative and educational hats... from a muralist, painter and storyteller to primary art teacher and department head, owner operator of an art center and a school consultant in curriculum and educational practice. As an experienced workshop leader and speaker I am passionate about art and learning; bringing a high level of creativity, energy and humour into my sessions....
Classroom management
Positive, Encouraging and Exciting
My approach to 'classroom' management is informed by best practice and the latest research; encouraging environments that are fun, active, differentiated and up-lifting. I believe that all children in your care should be believed in, supported and given an environment in which they can thrive.
I work with teams, giving them strategies and training that helps them develop an environment that is embedded in this approach.
Environment
Design, Flow, Create
I believe that the physical environment is the third teacher in the room. I will support teams to create an environment that engages the children in your care; naturally surrounding them with the values and culture that you want to see embedded in their behaviour and learning. You will also learn strategies in reflecting on and considering your room design and flow; intentionally considering the affect it has on behaviour, relationships and management,
Design Thinking
Lets Create ideas together!
A particular strength I have is in generating new dreams and ideas with planning teams. I encourage 'out of the box thinking' and am skilled in supporting teams to outwork those plans in practical and creative ways. You will leave these sessions inspired and equipped with ideas, lessons and themes that you and your team have full ownership of, and are excited to put in to practice.
Skills and Techniques
Working with kids is an amazing opportunity to be a part of a world of Joy, enthusiasm, humour and imagination.
I love to work with teams and staff, equipping them with skills, techniques and values that will help them engage and grow the kids in your care. Learning how to use your voice effectively, how to manage different ages and ability levels at the same time or how to move and supervise groups in unpredictable environments in a positive way; these are all skills that can be easily taught and supported.
The Details
Themes
I am always developing new themes and concepts for schools and organisations. I work closely with my team and with you to ensure that the content is perfect for your context. Below are examples of themes that I have run successfully in schools and conferences.
Please contact us to discuss your needs.
The Masters
We have developed a range of "Masters"workshops that help participants explore the work of artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci ,Van Gogh, Friedrich Hundertwasser, Monet and Rembrandt without copying or duplicating the artist's work. the focus on these workshops are on response and is helpful for teachers that want to use artists exemplars whilst nourishing the creativity of their students.
The Dance
This workshop explores Music, Dance, Drama and Visual art with a focus on one concept or theme. Participants investigate how to use movement, drama, dance, sound and visual art to express emotion, concepts and themes (such as joy/loss/fear/conflict and more) This workshop is highly valuable for classroom teachers and equips them with a range of tools and activities that can be used throughout the curriculum.
It Starts with a Line
This workshop is best described as Art 1.1! it is the perfect place to start if you are wanting to teach drawing and mark making techniques. Over the session we explore at least 6 different techniques and media. The activities are highly adaptable and perfect for equipping classroom teachers with a foundation of activities that can be integrated across the curriculm
Mixing it up
In this workshop we explore colour by making slime, weaving CD's and exploring pastels. The activities provide not only three excellent art units that can be used throughout the year, but also highlight how the elements of art can be discussed through less traditional medium.
Going Deeper
This workshop is perfect for all educators who want their students to take ownership of their learning and engage with reflective and thinking routines on a deeper level. By utilising a wide range of routines and strategies, Hamish equips teachers with a full toolbox of practical skills, activities and 'thinking routines' that are easy to adapt, authentic and easy to apply to your current context and classroom.
Communication through paint
An essential workshop for anyone that uses paint in the classroom. We equip participants with a range of strategies and techniques and go into depth with discussion points for using art to express and communicate. This is an excellent starting place for teaching art and embedding it within an inquiry curriculum.
Steampunk
This dynamic sculpture workshop explores the important relationship between structural form and surface finishing. Participants create metallic looking sculptures from recycled materials and go through the design and planning process. It creates a foundation for excellence in construction and sculpture by equipping teachers with understandings and skills that are easily transferable.
Printmaking Basics
This experience rich workshop explores the basics of Printmaking whilst incorporating cross curricular links. We will explore with mono print, foam print, Vegetable (where appropriate) and block printing. Participants will explore authentic links to the Elements and Principals of Art.
Out of the Box
This highly active workshop starts with a pile of cardboard boxes and creates worlds. Participants can build mazes, cities, oceans and jungles whilst collaborating and negotiating on their ideas and creations.
Art and Stories
This exciting workshop investigates how to respond to stories. We will explore multiple art styles and media together, to create beautiful Visual Arts projects with a rich and dynamic learning journey. We will explore papier mache, Air-dry ceramics, sculpture, surface finishing, armature sculpture, painting techniques and beyond.
I continue to develop new workshops daily...
If you have specific needs for your school or wish to start a conversation about the context of your organisation, please contact us. We love to develop new ideas and love the challenge of curriculum development across all disciplines.
