We recognise the value of continuing professional development for both staff and pupils. We are delighted to hear from staff members who have benefitted from a diverse range of training and activities which support their personal growth. In this Spotlight On : Staff episode, we hear from KS3 Art & Design Coordinator, Lindsay Slade, who attended a Leach Pottery Specialist Skills Course.

“During October 2021 half term I attended Leach Pottery in St Ives for a specialist course in teapot making.

Although, I specialise in hand building, I have always had an interest in throwing and over the past few years, I have developed my throwing skills, attending a basic throwing course at the Leach, back in 2015.

Many of our pupils enjoy Ceramics at Norwich School, however, it has only been in recent years that I have introduced the throwing technique. I have started an after-school club which is very popular and many of the pupils sign up each term with some developing an impressive level of skill. One pupil, Alastair, for example, gained a grade 9 at GCSE level last year for his ceramic artwork which was a series of thrown and altered vessels. He continues to attend the after-school club although he is not studying Art at A level.

Being able to select a relevant CPD course provides a unique opportunity to bring a fresh approach to my teaching and provides an opportunity to immerse myself in an area of interest away from the classroom. Making connections with the Leach Pottery has also benefitted many of our pupils, making possible events such as the annual M5 field trip and most recently our U5 enjoyed a week’s residency, learning how to throw as well as hand building in the style of Janet Leach. This residency was the schools prize for the L4 winning work in the school’s competition to celebrate 100 years of the Leach Pottery.

I will continue to offer the Cornwall trip to our pupils as it has enriched and inspired many of them over the years.”