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.
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. 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.
Autumn term 2025 dates are: Mondays 22, 29 September, 6, 13, 20 October, 3, 10, 17 November (No session on 27 October).
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
