At Mulberry Learning, we take pride in fostering creativity and self-expression as integral elements of our Future Ready Child philosophy. Today, we are delighted to introduce Hamish, our new Curriculum & Training Manager in Art, whose expertise and passion for arts education will empower our children, educators, and parents alike.

A Paradigm Shift in Arts Education

Hamish brings with him a forward-thinking approach to arts education that challenges traditional notions of children’s creativity. Instead of focusing on aesthetics—like making art that looks “pretty” or “perfect”—Hamish emphasizes the meaning, intention, and expression behind each creation. His guiding principle is clear: “No art is ugly, and every piece is uniquely beautiful.”

This paradigm shift encourages our young learners to see art not as something to be judged, but as a powerful way to communicate their stories, ideas, and emotions. Through bold self-expression and intentional art-making, children build confidence and learn to embrace their unique voices.

Empowering Educators Through Dynamic Curricula

Hamish is dedicated to supporting and inspiring our educators. Under his leadership, our art program will feature a comprehensive curriculum deeply aligned with Reggio-inspired principles and our Habits of Mind framework. This curriculum emphasizes the core facets of arts education:

1. Communication: Recognising that art is a universal language that enables children to express themselves in innovative and meaningful ways.
2. The Elements of Art: Exploring foundational concepts like line, colour, texture, shape, form, and space to help children develop essential artistic skills.
3. The Areas of Art: Introducing various art forms such as painting, modeling, printmaking, collage, and construction to ignite creativity and versatility.
4. Universal Skills: Nurturing fine and gross motor skills through hands-on experiences that integrate seamlessly with other areas of learning.

To ensure the success of this robust curriculum, Hamish will work closely with teachers, offering regular training sessions, embedded tutorial videos, and in-class modeling opportunities. Educators will be equipped to guide students confidently through a rich and fulfilling artistic journey.

Inspiring Young Minds Through Art Exploration

Hamish’s impact on our students promises to be transformative. He fosters a classroom environment where art becomes a safe space for exploration, creativity, and self-discovery. Whether through tactile experiences like painting and modeling or structured activities like construction and printmaking, children will have opportunities to explore diverse mediums and techniques. This hands-on approach allows them to:

• Build confidence in their artistic expression.
• Communicate their thoughts and feelings using art as a language.
• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they create.

By focusing on the process and intent of art-making, rather than the outcome, Hamish’s philosophy nurtures students to think beyond conventional boundaries and embrace their individuality.

Engaging Parents in the Creative Journey

Hamish recognises the vital role parents play in nurturing their children’s artistic growth. To this end, he has designed initiatives that help parents better understand and appreciate their child’s creative process. Key components include:

• Termly Parent Engagement Sessions: Opportunities for parents to participate in hands-on art activities and discussions, fostering a deeper connection with their child’s learning journey.
• Portfolio Highlights: Detailed explanations that articulate the learning outcomes, processes, and intentions behind each artwork, showcasing the depth of their child’s creativity.
• Growth-Oriented Rubrics: Achievement rubrics that celebrate progress and learning milestones, focusing on each child’s growth rather than comparison.

Looking Ahead

With Hamish on board, Mulberry Learning is set to further enrich its holistic educational offerings. His innovative ideas and deep commitment to arts education align perfectly with our mission to nurture Future Ready Children who are confident, creative, and capable of navigating the 21st century with curiosity and imagination.

We are thrilled to have Hamish join Mulberry Learning and look forward to the exciting journey ahead. Let’s create, inspire, and make every child’s voice heard through the transformative power of art.