Highgrove Online School’s teachers are some of the most passionate and accomplished teachers in education. In between their busy teaching commitments and marking responsibilities, we asked them a few questions about life as a teacher, what inspires them, and what advice they have for not only Highgrove’s talented pupils, but for the next generation of young learners. We hope you enjoy our new “5 Questions with…” series.
In this article, we get to know Lorna Hope, Highgrove Online School’s Art and Design teacher. Lorna has over 20 years of experience leading outstanding art departments in London and believes that art is a subject to be enjoyed by all. So, time to find out more about our incredible art teacher, Lorna Hope!
- How did you first become interested in art and what made you want to become an art teacher?
As a child my parents always encouraged me to make my own artwork – when my friends were buying posters from Athena, I was given the brochure and resources to create my own. I think that was the start for me. Bizarrely I didn’t do Art at school until I studied it at A level which was a huge transition from copying posters! From A level Art I went onto foundation art and a love of life drawing and painting led me to pursue a degree in Fine Art, studying at Falmouth College of Art and Alberta College of Art in Canada. Graduating from Art School is always a problem as it’s hard to become an instant artist, and after a few jobs in London in interior design and photographic libraries I decided to become an art teacher as I could focus purely on the subject I loved most.
- For students who are curious about studying art, can you tell us what it’s like to study art as a subject online? And for you as the teacher, what is it like to teach this subject online?
Studying Art online is surprisingly easy and allows a student to work within an environment they know. The subject is a combination of learning about the processes, media, techniques etc through practical exploration combined with research on the work of artists and how they create and develop pieces inspired by the world around us. Teaching art online is very similar to the classroom. I work alongside students, demonstrating whichever technique we are exploring, and we discuss ideas and tips related to the various media or technique we are exploring. The big joy is after a painting class I don’t have to tidy up after 20 students!
- What’s one of your favourite teaching memories or moments from your time as a teacher with Highgrove Online School?
Working at Highgrove I have thoroughly enjoyed working with young creative people from all over the world with so many ideas. It is a learning experience for me as well, learning about different cultures and environments through creative exploration. I have been inspired by my students’ experiences and how they present them creatively through their work.
- The arts and humanities have come under criticism recently, with politicians and leaders questioning students’ employability upon leaving university. What do you think the benefits of studying the arts and humanities are and why do you think it’s important for pupils to have the opportunity to learn about them?
This is an easy one for me as I have had to defend the arts since I began teaching it. If we look around us, everything we see in our homes, cars and jobs has been created by someone who has studied the arts. Fashion, design technology, fine art etc, are all integral to our daily lives – without them it would be a very bland world. I think as young creatives the world is changing at a very fast pace, and it’s important to be up to date on technologies and know how to use AI appropriately as things are ever evolving.
- And, lastly, can you tell us what makes the Highgrove Online School community so special and why you’re happy to be a part of it?
Highgrove online school community allows students and teachers to work together no matter where they are in the world, sharing ideas and developing work which is both inspiring and visually stimulating. To be part of a world so widespread and to be able to learn from so many talented young people is a joy, helping them to develop in confidence and to share their creative voice with their peers and within the wider school environment.
Thank you for your time, Ms. Hope!
