Title
The art of reflection

This workshop is designed for all Arts teachers (visual and performing arts) interested in exploring effective strategies for meaningful reflection in their classroom. Please see more details and discount information (!) under Important information.

Workshop description
Reflection plays an important role not only in learning but also in how we learn. It’s the bridge between external experiences and their internal impact and is key to our development as learners and as active global citizens. This workshop presents teachers with activities, strategies and frameworks to encourage the development of multi-faceted, purposeful and rich reflection.

Learning outcomes
Participants will leave the workshop with:
– a deeper understanding of reflection and the different types of reflection;
– strategies for meaningful reflection on learning;
activities on using reflection in arts practice.

How this workshop will benefit teachers in their curriculum delivery
Reflection is a key feature of all programmes and is often one of the assessment criteria. This workshop clarifies what it is and how to help students reflect more meaningfully.

Target audience
MS and HS Arts teachers (visual and performing arts).

Dinos Aristidou
I’m a playwright, director and education consultant working in the United Kingdom and internationally. I was writer-in-residence at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and am currently working with them on a new musical and with Birmingham Royal Ballet on a youth empowerment programme. I’m the creative learning director of UCAN, working with blind young people and artistic director of the Celebrating Our Stories Verbatim Theatre Festival for December 2020.
My passion is for Verbatim Theatre, working with communities to discover empowering ways of theatrically presenting untold stories. My work with students and teachers focuses on reflection, the role it plays in learning, in making art, in social activism and in building compassion. As an artist I am inquiring into what it means to make art with kindness.

I have an interest in curriculum and was manager of the curriculum review of IB MYP Arts. As a consultant I am involved in the development of the IB Diploma Theatre course as well as Diploma Literature and Performance and Diploma Music. My work involves the design of Diploma Theatre teacher workshops, online courses and teacher support materials (TSM) and the overseeing of whole school change programmes.

I have developed the ‘Reflection Pack’ now in its third edition, used by schools and organisations worldwide. My work on reflection and resilience through compassion, brings together my work and research in different areas ranging from the Royal Bethlem psychiatric hospital, international schools (Atlanta International, Sevenoakes, UWC Singapore, Marymount), Community Union and my ‘Art of Kindness’ project. I am currently working with Birmingham Royal Ballet developing the LEAP Programme, a bespoke programme empowering young people to be active participants and leaders in their own communities through reflection. I’m also currently working with Gwent Youth Forum on using reflection to train young consultants.

Help us spread the word!
Following the success of our monthly virtual PD&L workshops (attendance, engagement, professional calibre and unique methodology – not to mention impact!) we are now offering PD&L workshops to a wider audience of teachers. This workshop is aimed at all Arts teachers (visual and performing arts) interested in exploring effective strategies for meaningful reflection in their classroom. We would be so grateful if all ISTA teachers planning to sign up for this workshop can share the details with colleagues across the Arts faculty in your school. And, in doing so, we are delighted to offer a 20% discount to you if you can ‘bring a colleague’ (or 2!).

Event coordinator
Sophie Galton

The workshop will take place using the platform Zoom.
Places are limited to 20 participants per workshop.
You will receive a link to the Zoom call the day before the workshop.

The cost of the session is GBP £30 per person.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. Plus anything requested by the workshop leader which will be shared with you a few days prior to the workshop.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.