Art 4 Home Ed is a series of art workshops for home-educated children aged between 8–16 years. Split into two age groups – Explorers (8–11 years) and Adventurers (12–16 years), this is a chance for students to explore a wide variety of artistic media and approaches that may not be accessible in the home environment.
There is an active engagement with the exhibitions at The Burton, ensuring a contextual knowledge of art and artists is developed, alongside a practical understanding of various methods of making. The sessions are a safe space where students are supported to share their work and be an active participant of the group; there is a social element and learning from each other is encouraged.
The workshops are in a traditional classroom setting, with no more than 12 students, led by experienced tutor and artist Joel Herron. The classes are structured around the requirements for Arts Award, a national qualification moderated by Trinity College and supported by the Arts Council. This qualification is designed to build confidence through nurturing individual interests, while also equipping young people with life skills that will support future employment. It is by no means obligatory to apply for the Arts Award, but it’s an option should you wish.
Explorers: Zine Making
This term, the Explorers group will learn how to make zines! Zines are small books (short for magazine) which can be filled with any story or images you like.
Participants will learn: folding techniques, binding techniques, cutting, measuring, printing and painting.
During the 8 sessions, participants will create: minizines, a poster zine, and one stitch bound zine. One of these will then be filled with a topic of your choice – what will your kids choose to share to the world?
Adventurers: Portraits
This term, the adventurers will be learning all about portraits.
Participants will learn the history of portraits and portraiture, before creating their own using a range of techniques, including: painting, drawing, inks, charcoal, collage, mixed media, watercolours.
Arts Award
Children who take part in Art 4 Home Ed can be guided through the Arts Award. To achieve their Arts Award, learners take on challenges in an art form, participate in arts activities, experience arts events, get inspired by artists and share their skills with others. They create a portfolio to keep a record of their creative work and progress along the way, and are supported by an adult, who has trained as an Arts Award adviser and acts as an assessor, facilitator and mentor.
There are various levels available; during Art 4 Home Ed we focus on the Explore and Bronze levels, and will begin guiding through the Silver if there is demand. A commitment is required in order to achieve the award – see below for the recommended amount of hours required for each qualification. Guided learning refers to working with a tutor in a workshop setting, but doesn’t have to be limited to The Burton – as long as its evidenced, all tutored workshops can contribute to these hours. Independent learning refers to hours put in at home, which should be evidenced and signed off by a parent / guardian.
Explore:
- designed for ages 7 and above
- Entry Level (Entry 3) qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
- 35 hours total qualification time: 25 hours guided learning, 10 independent learning hours.
Bronze:
- designed for ages 11 to 14.
- Level 1 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
- 60 hours total qualification time: 40 guided learning hours and 20 independent learning hours.
Silver:
- designed for ages 14 to 16
- Level 2 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
- 95 hours total qualification time: 60 guided learning hours plus 35 independent learning hours.
The qualifications have equivalents to GCSE points but are far more flexible, in that there is no specific deadline or time to apply. More information can be found on the Arts Award website.
Spring term 2026 dates are: Mondays 19, 26 January, 2, 9, 23 February (NO session on 16 Feb as it is half term), 2, 9, 16 March.
Students are asked to bring an A3 sketchbook to use, and any favourite drawing materials. Any specialist materials are provided.
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Booking is essential. To book a place, please e-mail info@theburton.org or call 01237 471455.
Image by Vanessa Loring via Pexels/Canva
