I'm going to start my first blog post with a confession. It's one that most of my classes are already aware of but I'm sharing it widely now. When I was a child I didn't have any desire to become a teacher.
I wanted to be a writer; a journalist to be more specific. Teaching was never on the list for me, didn't turn up in those tests you do to determine your future. Not in my plans. Obviously plans changed over the years so I'm sharing today how I got here (in front of a computer in a my kitchen teaching lessons from home). This week Year 8 start to decide on the subjects they will take at GCSE level. I still remember the process well and the advice I was given by my teachers - choose a wide range of subjects you enjoy. The choice of Art was obvious, I loved it, was (still am) good at it, and my best mates were doing it too. Little did I know that it would take over my life and lead to my future career. After GCSEs I decided to study A-Levels, taking English Literature, Graphic Design and Painting & Drawing. Arguments with my Dad ensued, he wanted me to study Advanced Maths, but I dug my heels in and chose what I loved and what I was good at. A Levels were followed by A Foundation Course in Art & Design and then onto University to study an Art Degree. I did pretty well, received high grades, but still; didn't know what to do with them. That's my point, I guess.I was 22 when I left University. I had all the qualifications but no idea of what to do with them. To expect you to know what you want to do with your life in Year 8 is unlikely. My best advice is to keep your options open, choose the subjects you enjoy and are good at and things will eventually drop into place. McDonalds helped me decide. I worked there during college and University, starting with the basics and working my way up to Staff Trainer. I discovered there, amongst the Big Macs and Mc Nuggets that I was not only good at, but enjoyed, teaching people how to do things. This got me thinking about the possibilities my qualifications held for me. I volunteered to help out in art lessons at my old secondary school and spent a year there, in between my shifts at McDonalds. This gave me the experience and confidence to apply for a teaching course. I got in, trained to become a teacher and the rest, as they say, is history. There have been some twists and turns along the way, including a brief spell as Head of Department followed by a year away from the classroom, but I found a job I love that uses my skills. I get to be creative everyday, and sometimes even get to flex my writing muscles (just to scratch the little itch I have about being a journalist). As 'Careers Champion' for art (a role that sounds way more exciting than it actually is) I now get to advise you on how you could progress. Its pretty simple really. Choose what you love. Choose what you're good at. Things will fall into place... |
Mr CarneyA weekly (in an ideal world but less often in reality) peek into the thoughts of your friendly neighbourhood art teacher.* My BookshelfArchives
September 2023
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