Carclew to show SA teachers what’s the DEAL with arts

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 Carclew, 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. 

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

Carclew is South Australia’s only multi-art form and cultural organisation dedicated to artistic outcomes by and for people aged 26 and under. It provides young people with opportunities to try different art forms, supports emerging artists to develop their craft and advocates for youth arts practice.

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. 

SA 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."