To read a full version of Kate and Ed’s conversation log in to


SET online and click inTuition under Publications.


Kate Buckley was a longtime school teacher before starting a 3D Contemporary Craft degree at York College. Her burgeoning artistic career is in part due to the support of her tutor, Ed Poxon


KATE BUCKLEY Following a teaching degree at York St John’s, I taught for 25 years in middle and primary schools. I loved teaching but gradually, increasing curriculum expectations and time constraints meant that spontaneity and children’s enthusiasms had no space in primary education. I had wanted to do an art and foundation course after my


A levels, but I don’t honestly think I would have developed as an artist or achieved as much if I had not had to wait 30 years to do it. Ed has ensured I have stayed away from complacency or


the easy option. He encouraged me to apply for exhibitions and art competitions. I have shown work in several art galleries in Yorkshire, and I won a prize in a national higher education art competition. Ed has a passion for, and a huge depth of knowledge about, art, design and the creative industry, and has a story to back up every idea. It’s important to carry a notebook when you meet him as he throws out useful names, processes, concepts and artists almost as asides. I can’t speak for all teachers, but I think I make a good student. As a teacher you are continually self-evaluating yourself. In many ways it is what makes teaching the hardest profession. My goal is to continue developing and to take my work in new directions.


ED POXON In my experience teachers don’t tend to make great students, and this includes myself. Often teachers are like experienced car mechanics who drive terrible cars, knowing they can fix it when it really breaks down. But Kate is an ideal student because she has a real sense of inquisitiveness and curiosity. Her enthusiasm and enjoyment in creating original art work are infectious. As a craft practitioner I am hands-on – there are always


traditional ways of creating work in any material or materials, and this is usually born out of success. I also believe students should be allowed time to build tacit knowledge of a process, and that traditions can change and need to be challenged. I like the Jean Cocteau quote “you cannot make art with


theory”. I have heard tutors talk about the right way to throw a pot. A better question for me would be: “Is there a right way for you to throw a pot?” And only by reflective practice will you find out what that is. Successful students become reflective practitioners. As well as a degree in art, I have a City & Guilds certificate in adult education. At the college one of the most successful professional development schemes involves communities of practice. This enables staff who would never normally work together to generate new ideas for teaching and learning.


TWO NEW BLOGS ON KEY ISSUES Two new blogs are available on the Society for Education and Training (SET) website.


n te rst, te caton an rann onatons  assocate


rector or leaers, r ran coln, tals abot te nee for proper succession planning in the further education and training sector n te secon, eresa arroll, te s ea o ellben an socal nclson, eanes te reors ner a n offener learnn To read both blogs visit the SET website or, if you’re reading your inTuition in digital format, simply click the following link goo.gl/nf7f3i


THE LIVES OF OTHERS Is there such a thing as a typical further education teacher or trainer? ot lel, accorn to te latest artcle n s onlne areer ocs


secton en te rane o fferent roers, settns an roles tn  teacn an trann, te roessonal les o  staff are varied and fascinating. To read the full article you must log in to te  ste o can access te areer ocs secton ro te News & Events drop-down menu under Blogs and articles.


WEBINAR ON WORKING WITH SUPPORT STAFF  ne ebnar, broacast on  anar, offern noraton an ace on o to or effectel t sort staff s aalable on demand on the SET website. t recent researc ncatn tat sort staff can ae a


positive impact on learner attainment, this webinar is both timely and important. Members need to log in and then click Resources and webinars under the Professionalism drop-down menu.


INTUITION ISSUE 31 • SPRING 2018 9


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