Art Subject Leaders Meeting - Term 1 2026-2027

Aims

The Art Subject Leader Network in Southwark continues in 2026/2027 as a termly, practice-focused forum for primary art leads to connect, create, and plan together. Sessions blend a short, classroom-ready art activity with structured time to share best practice and co-design future initiatives across the borough.

The national curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils: produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques; evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design; know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Meetings are facilitated by Laura Nichols, an education consultant specialising in primary art and curriculum development, who delivers art subject leader training for Southwark Council and creates gallery-based learning resources for schools. Laura founded the Southwark Arts Network, a collective of primary art educators focused on creativity, collaboration, community, and culture in South London schools, and has developed practical tools and partnerships to support effective collaboration between schools and local arts organisations

Summary