
What are the top tips for teaching art in secondary school?
Art is a multi-faceted subject that helps to build crucial skills such as problem-solving and perceptive thinking, and emotional intelligence. Having the necessary skills to effectively teach art to children plays an essential role in helping students to learn and develop, especially in secondary school where the subject becomes more challenging.
Education sectors across the globe have recognised the importance of art, and most schools regard the subject as a fundamental topic. According to the UK’s Cultural and Learning Alliance, secondary schools are working hard to increase and stabilise the number of art teachers after years of decline. This is great news for passionate educators who are seeking art teacher jobs.
If you are eager to make a positive contribution to this movement and secure yourself a position where you can make a significant improvement in learner development, then you need to equip yourself with the right tools. Here are 4 art teacher tips that are useful and easy to apply:
1. Give your students the freedom to express their own form/s of art
Art comes in many forms and if you want to engage your students, it’s important that you give them the opportunity to explore and expand their horizons so that they can find a form that appeals to them. To do this, you can introduce art from different cultures, or you can discuss unusual materials and art techniques (visual presentations are key here).
When we allow students the freedom to explore, we can use their interest to develop a deeper appreciation of more sophisticated and relevant syllabus-related sources.
2. Include researching techniques in your art teacher lesson plan
In secondary school, learners are taught that art is more than just a pretty picture. Each masterpiece has a history and a story, and to truly appreciate it, you need to understand its whole value.
Teach your students how to research their topics, introduce them to verified resources online, or provide them with access to a library of books on art. This way, they can be encouraged to put more thought into the art process and draw inspiration from their findings.
3. Ensure your students know how to succeed
In an English lesson, students are provided with an outline to help them write an essay. Students in Mathematics are given formulas to solve equations. These tools help students understand what they need to do to achieve success. Art should be approached in a similar way.
For example, in secondary school, you can show your students how to succeed by connecting techniques to popular artforms, or you can demonstrate a variety of brush strokes and pencil techniques. The tip here is, before you send your students out to explore the world of art, provide them with a formula that gives them the confidence to perform.
4. Conduct positive and enlightening assessments
Finally, adopt an assessment strategy that develops skills and confidence. At this age, you do not need to apply harsh criticism to transfer a skill. Instead, provide your students with rewards and praise in areas where they have excelled. This will encourage them to keep learning and participating while you bring areas of improvement to their attention.
Let Teaching Personnel help you find your next art teacher job
At Teaching Personnel, we’re looking for teachers who are passionate about art and education and are ready to equip themselves with knowledge so that they can help their students thrive.
Our team understands that the role of teachers is more than tracking progress, it’s supporting students through education so that they learn to be independent and capable individuals with a passion for learning. If you are looking for a position where you can put your tools to practice and offer this type of support as an art teacher, then we invite you to apply for one of our rewarding secondary art teacher jobs today.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£24k - 28k per year
Location free text
Horsham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Autism
Location
Horsham
Description
A specialist residential school in Horsham is looking for dedicated Behaviour Support Workers to help support autistic pupils across both classroom and residential settings. This is a full-time post i
Reference
BSWHWS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£100 - 110 per day
Location free text
Hailsham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEMH
Location
Hailsham
Description
A specialist SEMH school in Hailsham is looking to appoint a confident, compassionate Behaviour Mentor to support young people who have experienced trauma, exclusion, or disrupted learning. The school
Reference
BMHES
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£89.38 - 98.61 per day
Location free text
Ashton-under-Lyne
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
At Teaching Personnel, we are working closely with a Primary School in Ashton who are actively seeking for a passionate and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants who can support students in Year 1. This sc
Reference
OL6 Y1 TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South PrimaryAuthor
Manchester South PrimarySalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Melbourne
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Derbyshire
Description
Looking to come out of the Classroom and teach 1:1?Why TP Tutors?As we enter the spring term, it’s the perfect time to make an impact on secondary students’ education. At TP Tutors, we’re passionate a
Reference
10SFMelboMaths29/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£21k - 22k per year
Location free text
East Grinstead
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
SEMH
Location
East Grinstead
Description
Are you passionate about supporting young people with autism and mental health challenges? A welcoming SEN school in East Grinstead is seeking a Behaviour Mentor to join their team and work closely wi
Reference
BMEGWS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£23 - 28 per hour
Location free text
Newton-le-Willows
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Merseyside
Description
Take Control of your Education Career with TP Tutors Are you an educator looking for a better work/life balance and a more manageable workload? Do you want to make a real impact on young people's live
Reference
RVWA12Gen29/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£36k - 38k per year
Location free text
Horsham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
Sector
Early Years
Location
Horsham
Description
Nursery Manager – Horsham – Immediate StartAre you an experienced and passionate early years professional looking for a leadership role? We are seeking a Nursery Manager to join our dedicated team in
Reference
Manager Nursery FT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimarySalary
£20 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Bath
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
SEN General
Location
Bath
Description
Are you an experienced and empathetic tutor with a passion for supporting young people with Special Educational Needs? We’re looking for a committed SEN Tutor based in Bath to provide personalised 1:1
Reference
JN/BATHSEN
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£120 - 140 per day
Location free text
Haywards Heath
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Haywards Heath
Description
Primary Supply Teachers Needed – Haywards Heath & Burgess HillAre you a passionate and reliable Primary School Teacher looking for flexible work in the Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill area?Join our gr
Reference
Primary Teacher Flex
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimarySalary
£20 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Reading
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Reading
Description
Are you passionate about helping students achieve their full potential in Maths and English? We're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated tutor to join our team in Reading, delivering high-quality
Reference
JN/T/READMTHSENG
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Related posts

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
Teaching assistants support teachers and students in the classroom. The role is invaluable and continues to grow in importance as school environments become larger and more diverse. In fact, teach
by
West Yorkshire Primary

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
When you worked as a teacher, you may have looked forward to retirement, as it meant having more time for leisurely activities or spending more time with loved ones. However, the novelty of retire

by
Scott Owen
.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by 50%. According to a report by The Health Foundation, one in six children aged six to 16 in Englan

by
Scott Owen

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
Recent reports state that special schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. Many local authorities aim to integrate more children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) into mainst
by
Adam Davies
.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
The festive season and the end of term are quickly approaching! To help you prepare, our Payroll team has shared all the essential dates you need to ensure you get paid before Christmas. Check out t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job