Diane Mainzer

I have 20 years plus teaching secondary and adults including GCSE and A level. As a mum of three boys I had experience with young children also. My lessons are individually tailored according to ability and suitable relevant artists can be introduced at all ages as part of Art Study.
Initially I talk to the student and find where their interest is, what they feel they need to improve and what they don’t understand about the syllabus (for exams).
Then we look at their work-I will mention any association which occurs to me whether artist or author, poet or film or any media. Then perhaps get their associations and responses to mine.
Then I would (internally) assess where they are at the moment in reference to mark schemes (for exams) and where they need to work first. Whether that be drawing, printmaking or any suitable response.
Once we are on track then the lessons can become more fun and explorative.
When teaching classes I still taught in this way, individually- there were no proscriptive projects except at the beginning of year 10, start of the GCSE, when we would go to the textile room at the V&A, they would choose a design, draw it, then design a batik from it in the schoolroom.