In this online workshop, delivered over 2 half-day sessions, we will explore how sustainability and ethics can be effectively embedded within creative teaching and learning in order to enhance student understanding of these complex and increasingly important areas.
The first session will act as an introduction to sustainability and ethics, where we will look at current practice within art and design and consider further opportunities to engage students. Participants will then be asked to complete a task in preparation for the second session, 1 week later, where we will discuss responses to the task, share practice, and devise individual plans to move forward with this pressing agenda within our own institutions.
Computer and internet access is required to attend this workshop. Joining instructions will be sent 1 week before the first session.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this CPD workshop, or would like to book by invoice, please email ual.cpd@arts.ac.uk.
Learning outcomes
- Explore the interrelations between sustainability and ethics.
- Identify opportunities to effectively embed ethics and sustainability within the curriculum from induction through to final projects.
- Generate, share and discuss ideas for learning activities that stimulate students engagement and promotes a deeper understanding of how artists and designers engage with sustainability and ethics.
- Develop a sustainability curriculum ‘map’ that addresses the needs of your individual course or students.
Who should attend?
Ideal for those who deliver all creative arts qualifications at levels 1-4 including:
- AS Level
- A Level
- UAL Awarding Body (level 1-4)
- BTEC
About the facilitators
Suzanne Archer
Suzanne has over 30 years’ teaching and managerial experience working within specialist art and design institutions. She recently retired from the role of Head of Further Education at Leeds Arts University, where she managed courses with large cohorts delivering UAL Awarding Body qualifications.
Suzanne has been instrumental in developing the University’s Sustainability Framework and continues to drive this forward in her new role as Sustainability Manager. She remains very active in curriculum development working with programme leaders to embed sustainability within teaching and learning from level 3 through to level 7.
Throughout her time at Leeds, Suzanne has worked closely with the Awarding Body both as a Senior External Moderator and in qualification development, most recently with Leeds being one of the first delivery centres for the new Foundation specification.
She is passionate about developing an art and design curriculum that capitalises on students growing interest in sustainability and equips them with the knowledge, skills and understanding to work and live in a way that safeguards environmental, social and economic wellbeing both now and in the future.
Laura-Jane Atkinson
Laura-Jane Atkinson is a Designer-Maker and Lecturer. She started teaching in 2013 at Manchester School of Art, before taking on a role as Lecturer at Leeds Arts University on the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design in 2016. She continues to work on this course, now as a Pathway Leader for the Fashion and Textiles pathway, alongside working as a supervisor for MA Creative Practice at the institution.
Laura-Jane originally trained in Embroidery at Manchester School of Art and continued working professionally in this field after graduating, before doing an MA in Design: Lab. During her MA, she became particularly interested in Sustainability through researching the potential of Linoleum flooring in a craft context - a body of work that went on to be exhibited at London Craft Week and London Design Festival. Alongside this work, she formed design collective, Rive Studio, who researched Japanese Knotweed and the potential of this as a capable resource of the future. This research was subsequently published in ‘Fruitful Futures: Imagining Pomona’. Laura-Jane continues to practice professionally alongside her teaching practice and has recently completed the Craft Council’s Hothouse programme – a yearlong business development programme for designer makers.
She is the staff conscious creative for the Foundation Diploma at Leeds Arts University and uses this as an opportunity to start discussions with and between students about ethics and sustainability, and provide students with opportunities to share research and practice. She is passionate about fostering an enquiry into the potential Art and Design has to contribute to ethical issues.