UQ Ipswich to host Arts workshop for local schools

The Ipswich campus of The University of Queensland is set to host a series of workshops for local arts teachers later this month.

Organised by the Primary Arts Network Ipswich (PANI), the event will aim to gather teachers from around the Moreton region to participate in professional development.

Ipswich West Special School Arts Specialist and PANI coordinator Lee Fullarton said the event would provide each of the 93 participants the opportunity to allow their schools’ voices to be heard.

Ms Fullarton said the event would help strengthen the network of teachers in the area involved in the five teaching strands of arts education; visual arts, drama, dance, music and media.

"The workshops have a practical, hands-on approach for teachers and will help them learn things they can take directly back to their classrooms," she said.

"It’s like the ripple effect where teachers can take away their knowledge and pass it on to others."

Griffith University Visual Arts and Media Education Lecturer Dr Glenda Nalder will be the keynote speaker.

The event will also feature trade displays and an exhibition of student artwork at the University campus.

University of Queensland Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Alan Rix said the workshops would provide an opportunity to establish important channels of communication between local schools and the University.

"The arts are a vital part of a well-rounded education and the University is pleased to support teachers within the community in striving to develop their teaching practices," Professor Rix said.

The professional development event will be held from 8.15am on Monday, July 14 at UQ Ipswich campus.

MEDIA: For more information please contact Marketing Manager Loretta Porche on 3381 1068 or email l.porche@uq.edu.au