Teachers' courses & events

Download the 2011/12 Schools Programme (PDF file, 1.2 MB)

V&A Educational workshop for D&T Teachers, February 2011

'I will definitely be more confident in taking a class of children out to the museum and be able to plan activities to keep them engaged'. (Primary PGCE student, University of Cambridge)

'The session was very well structured and covered a wide range of useful activities, with enough exploration of the V&A and practical hands-on activities, as well as being incredibly informative'. (Primary PGCE student, University of Cambridge)

The richness of the V&A's collections can excite and inspire innovative teaching and learning right across the curriculum. One of our main aims in the Schools Team is to support and enable teachers and educators to develop and enhance their skills, knowledge and confidence to use the Museum collections both in school and during a visit to the V&A to ensure their students engage in creative and inspiring learning.

InSET Sessions

We offer tailored InSET sessions on request for teachers which explore ways of using the V&A’s collections to extend and enhance the delivery of the curriculum. Through interactive activities, with content specifically designed to meet the needs of your group, discover exciting and creative ideas to use on a visit and back at school.

Available as full day, half day or twilight sessions
Full day: £500 for up to 15 people, £50 for each additional person
Half day or twilight: £250 for up to 15 people, £25 for each additional person
(includes tea and coffee, additional charge for lunch)

ITT Introductory Sessions

Find out how best to use the Museum for teaching and learning.
£100 per group

Could your school qualify for FREE CPD events and FREE outreach when you book a half price workshop?

If your school is a secondary state school within the boroughs of Ealing, Brent, Barnet, Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Harrow or RBKC you qualify for free CPD events and free outreach sessions if you book one of our workshops supporting D&T and Art & Design. You will also receive a 50% discount on the price of the workshop.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity. We have a fantastic programme of FREE events this Spring and Summer terms for teachers in secondary state school within the boroughs listed above. This initiative is generously supported by John Lyon's Charity.

To find out more, email: schools@vam.ac.uk

Upcoming events

Exhibition Opening Event for Teachers: British Design, 1948- 2012
Friday 20 April
17.00- 20.30

This exhibition showcases the best of British design and creative talent. It examines the ways in which designers working in the UK have produced innovative works. Learn more about the exhibition from curator Ghislaine Wood and also hear contemporary product designer Freddie Yauner talk about his work.
Free entry, drinks and light refreshments will be provided.
(Exhibition tickets normally £12)
Booking essential, contact 0207 942 2481

Visit to Random International’s Studio
Thursday 17 May
17.00- 20.30

This is a unique opportunity to visit the working studio of design collective Random International, whose work features in the Lamp Design workshop. Learn about their creative processes, as they talk honestly about the development of their work and show never before seen prototypes.
Booking essential, contact 0207 942 2481

The above two events are available to schools in the following boroughs only: Ealing, Brent, Barnet, Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, Harrow or RBKC when you book a Secondary workshop supporting Art & Design and D&T.

For bookings and more information, email: schools@vam.ac.uk

V&A Sanctuary

Fridays 23 March, 20 April & 22 June, 2012
17.45–19.30

Recharge your creative batteries at the end of a busy teaching week. Meet innovative artists, designers and makers associated with the Royal College of Art, Crafts Council and V&A to learn about different approaches to making across art and design, try out new techniques, develop your own creative talents and get inspiration to take back to the classroom. These sessions include a chance to see galleries related to the makers' practices, including the exhibition Power of Making which has inspired the V&A Sanctuary programme.
£15 per person (includes refreshments and materials)

Friday 23 March - Mary Butcher
Friday 20 April - Sarah Bridgland
Friday 18 May - Juliana Sissons
Friday 22 June - Dia Batel

DesignLab Summer School 2012

DesignLab in partnership with the Design Department at Goldsmiths, University of London
July 23 – 26, 2012
10:30 – 16:30

Due to demand, our first DesignLab Summer School for Teachers will launch in 2012. This dynamic 4-day course will be delivered by the V&A’s Schools Learning team in partnership with Goldsmiths Design Department. Based in the V&A’s fantastic learning spaces, galleries and study rooms, you will be immersed in a packed programme of creative activities including gallery talks, practical designing workshops and a chance to work on individual projects. You will also have built-in opportunities to explore the V&A’s unique collections and visit the V&A’s summer exhibitions, including British Design 1948 – 2012 and Heatherwick Studio.

During the course you will learn new skills, explore design practices and processes from the past and present and develop ideas and methods for transferring these to your teaching practice. There will also be an option to take the Goldsmiths short course in Teaching Creative Design in Secondary Schools and collect credits towards a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, or towards an MA in Design Education. Above all, you will leave this summer school brimming with ideas for projects in your school and inspiration for your own creative work.

This course is suitable for all levels of experience from trainee teachers to Heads of Departments, specialising in Art & Design and Design & Technology.

£200, includes all materials.

Book now on +44 (0)20 7942 2211
Email: bookings.office@vam.ac.uk