South West Art Teachers Unite to Shape the Future of Arts Education

Over 50 educators from across the region gathered in Exeter this month for the first-ever South West Art Teachers Conference, hosted by Coombeshead Academy, part of Education South West and the South West Institute for Teaching (SWIFT),  marking a bold new chapter for art and design education in the region.

Held at the Phoenix Arts Centre the landmark event brought together passionate teachers from primary, secondary and alternative provision settings, united by a shared goal: to champion creativity, connection and collective advocacy in the face of growing pressures on the arts.

Organised by Sam Eyre, Head of CREATE at Coombeshead Academy the event built on a rich legacy of collaboration, evolving from the long-running Devon Art Teachers’ Conference, which has been going for over 15 years, into a region-wide movement. The idea behind the evolution is to help grow the professional community and the sharing of practices within SWIFT.

Highlights included a keynote from renowned artist David Shrigley, hands-on workshops, and an exhibition of the powerful CODEX Project, an inspiring partnership between Sidmouth College, Sidmouth School of Art and local artists, exploring identity and storytelling through visual art.

Educators left the day energised, empowered, and ready to amplify the value of the arts for the young people they serve. The South West Art Teachers Conference is set to return in 2026, with organisers hoping to grow the network even further. For more information or to get involved, contact sam.eyre@coombesheadacademy.org.uk 

Sam Eyre, organiser and Head of CREATE at Coombeshead Academy, said:"We wanted to create a space where teachers could come together not just to learn new techniques, but to feel inspired, supported, and valued. The passion in the room was incredible, this is just the beginning of something powerful for arts education in the South West."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: 

 "This conference is a brilliant example of how we can lead and innovate across our region. Art and design matter deeply to our students and our communities, and we are proud to be part of a network that is championing creativity, expression and opportunity at every level."

 

 

South West Art Teachers Unite to Shape the Future of Arts Education Over 50 educators from across the region gathered in Exeter this month for the first-ever South West Art Teachers Conference, hosted by Coombeshead Academy, part of Education South West and the South West Institute for Teaching (SWIFT),  marking a bold new chapter for art and design education in the region. Held at the Phoenix Arts Centre the landmark event brought together passionate teachers from primary, secondary and alternative provision settings, united by a shared goal: to champion creativity, connection and collective advocacy in the face of growing pressures on the arts. Organised by Sam Eyre, Head of CREATE at Coombeshead Academy the event built on a rich legacy of collaboration, evolving from the long-running Devon Art Teachers’ Conference, which has been going for over 15 years, into a region-wide movement. The idea behind the evolution is to help grow the professional community and the sharing of practices within SWIFT. Highlights included a keynote from renowned artist David Shrigley, hands-on workshops, and an exhibition of the powerful CODEX Project, an inspiring partnership between Sidmouth College, Sidmouth School of Art and local artists, exploring identity and storytelling through visual art. Educators left the day energised, empowered, and ready to amplify the value of the arts for the young people they serve. The South West Art Teachers Conference is set to return in 2026, with organisers hoping to grow the network even further. For more information or to get involved, contact sam.eyre@coombesheadacademy.org.uk  Sam Eyre, organiser and Head of CREATE at Coombeshead Academy, said:"We wanted to create a space where teachers could come together not just to learn new techniques, but to feel inspired, supported, and valued. The passion in the room was incredible, this is just the beginning of something powerful for arts education in the South West." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:   "This conference is a brilliant example of how we can lead and innovate across our region. Art and design matter deeply to our students and our communities, and we are proud to be part of a network that is championing creativity, expression and opportunity at every level."    

Review of the Summer Production Little Shop of Horrors

 

Coombeshead Academy’s summer production of Little Shop of Horrors was performed at Bushell Theatre on 8^th, 9^th and 10^th July. It was a vibrant, energetic and very funny production. All of the students have worked extremely hard to create the exaggerated characters that help transport the audience into the world of Seymour, Audrey and of course, the Plant. There was an excellent combination of acting, singing and dancing.

The staging was excellent and the lighting, sound and the live music was of a very high standard

The principal characters of Seymour (Tom), Audrey  (Ella Marie), Audrey 2 – the Plant (Rhi and Harmony), The Dentist (Lily), Mrs Mushnik (Ruby) and the Ronnettes (Isobelle, Kira, Chloe, Phoebe and Rosie) showed impressive individual characterisations and they worked flawlessly together showing a real sense of unity, to ensure the production was of a great standard. The vocal skills of individual students were particularly impressive.

The live band was superb every night having spent a considerable amount of time rehearsing to ensure the professional standard was reached.  7 musicians made up the ensemble and the level of musicianship presented was of a very high standard.

It has been a delight to work on this project and to have achieved a production of such a high standard. We are very proud of all the students involved!

 

Andy Tyner (Musical Director)

Review of the Summer Production Little Shop of Horrors   Coombeshead Academy’s summer production of Little Shop of Horrors was performed at Bushell Theatre on 8th, 9th and 10th July. It was a vibrant, energetic and very funny production. All of the students have worked extremely hard to create the exaggerated characters that help transport the audience into the world of Seymour, Audrey and of course, the Plant. There was an excellent combination of acting, singing and dancing. The staging was excellent and the lighting, sound and the live music was of a very high standard The principal characters of Seymour (Tom), Audrey  (Ella Marie), Audrey 2 – the Plant (Rhi and Harmony), The Dentist (Lily), Mrs Mushnik (Ruby) and the Ronnettes (Isobelle, Kira, Chloe, Phoebe and Rosie) showed impressive individual characterisations and they worked flawlessly together showing a real sense of unity, to ensure the production was of a great standard. The vocal skills of individual students were particularly impressive. The live band was superb every night having spent a considerable amount of time rehearsing to ensure the professional standard was reached.  7 musicians made up the ensemble and the level of musicianship presented was of a very high standard. It has been a delight to work on this project and to have achieved a production of such a high standard. We are very proud of all the students involved!   Andy Tyner (Musical Director)

Parents Back in Class: Coombeshead Opens Doors for Year 7 Families

Families of Year 7 students at Coombeshead Academy were given a unique opportunity to step into their children’s shoes this term during the school’s successful “Bring Your Parent to School” event.

In total, around 50 families took part in the morning, attending real lessons across a range of subjects. From building electrical circuits in science and baking crumble cakes in food technology, to exploring colour theory in art, parents and carers experienced the high-quality teaching and strong student-staff relationships that define the culture at Coombeshead.

Halfway through the morning, guests enjoyed a well-earned coffee and cookie break before diving back into more lessons. Throughout the day, the school’s Year 9 student ambassadors were on hand to help ensure everything ran smoothly.

The event is part of Coombeshead Academy’s wider commitment to working in close partnership with families. By sharing what a typical school day looks like, the school aims to help parents better understand how to support their child’s learning and feel more connected to the school community.

Parents described the event as “encouraging,” “wonderful,” and “so lovely to spend time with my child and to see school from their point of view.” The school would like to thank all parents and carers who attended, as well as the students and staff who made the event such a success.

 Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:

“We were thrilled to welcome so many families into our classrooms. Events like this are powerful because they show first-hand the warmth, ambition and engagement that exists in every lesson. We want our families to feel like true partners in their child’s journey and the feedback we’ve received shows just how valuable this experience was.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“At Education South West we believe that strong school-family partnerships make a real difference to a young person’s success. Coombeshead Academy is a brilliant example of a school building trust and connection with its community and doing so with warmth, creativity, and purpose.”

 

 

Parents Back in Class: Coombeshead Opens Doors for Year 7 Families Families of Year 7 students at Coombeshead Academy were given a unique opportunity to step into their children’s shoes this term during the school’s successful “Bring Your Parent to School” event. In total, around 50 families took part in the morning, attending real lessons across a range of subjects. From building electrical circuits in science and baking crumble cakes in food technology, to exploring colour theory in art, parents and carers experienced the high-quality teaching and strong student-staff relationships that define the culture at Coombeshead. Halfway through the morning, guests enjoyed a well-earned coffee and cookie break before diving back into more lessons. Throughout the day, the school’s Year 9 student ambassadors were on hand to help ensure everything ran smoothly. The event is part of Coombeshead Academy’s wider commitment to working in close partnership with families. By sharing what a typical school day looks like, the school aims to help parents better understand how to support their child’s learning and feel more connected to the school community. Parents described the event as “encouraging,” “wonderful,” and “so lovely to spend time with my child and to see school from their point of view.” The school would like to thank all parents and carers who attended, as well as the students and staff who made the event such a success.  Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: “We were thrilled to welcome so many families into our classrooms. Events like this are powerful because they show first-hand the warmth, ambition and engagement that exists in every lesson. We want our families to feel like true partners in their child’s journey and the feedback we’ve received shows just how valuable this experience was.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: “At Education South West we believe that strong school-family partnerships make a real difference to a young person’s success. Coombeshead Academy is a brilliant example of a school building trust and connection with its community and doing so with warmth, creativity, and purpose.”    

Creativity in Action: Coombeshead Students Collaborate with Renowned Artist James Lake

Students at Coombeshead Academy have had an unforgettable opportunity to work alongside renowned sculptor James Lake as part of a creative workshop designed to support and inspire learners preparing for their GCSE art qualifications.

The multi-day workshop, delivered in collaboration with Daisi Arts and generously funded by The Helen Foundation, gave students hands-on experience with professional art techniques, creative problem-solving, and valuable insights into life as a working artist.

James Lake, known for his powerful large-scale cardboard sculptures and inclusive approach to art-making, guided students through a series of projects while encouraging them to think outside the box,  both literally and creatively.

The experience not only enhanced students' technical and conceptual understanding of art but also offered them a meaningful opportunity to connect with a working artist, bringing fresh perspective to their studies.

The school extends its sincere thanks to James Lake, The Helen Foundation, and Daisi Arts for their generosity, creativity, and commitment to empowering young people through the arts.

Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:

"We are incredibly grateful to James Lake, The Helen Foundation, and Daisi Arts for making this experience possible. Opportunities like this are so valuable in helping students build skills, confidence, and creative ambition,especially for those preparing for their GCSEs. The energy and inspiration in the room were tangible."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:"Giving students access to professional creatives is an important part of helping them see what’s possible through the arts. This workshop is a brilliant example of how partnerships can bring curriculum learning to life, and we’re proud to see our schools nurturing the next generation of artists."

Creativity in Action: Coombeshead Students Collaborate with Renowned Artist James Lake Students at Coombeshead Academy have had an unforgettable opportunity to work alongside renowned sculptor James Lake as part of a creative workshop designed to support and inspire learners preparing for their GCSE art qualifications. The multi-day workshop, delivered in collaboration with Daisi Arts and generously funded by The Helen Foundation, gave students hands-on experience with professional art techniques, creative problem-solving, and valuable insights into life as a working artist. James Lake, known for his powerful large-scale cardboard sculptures and inclusive approach to art-making, guided students through a series of projects while encouraging them to think outside the box,  both literally and creatively. The experience not only enhanced students' technical and conceptual understanding of art but also offered them a meaningful opportunity to connect with a working artist, bringing fresh perspective to their studies. The school extends its sincere thanks to James Lake, The Helen Foundation, and Daisi Arts for their generosity, creativity, and commitment to empowering young people through the arts. Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: "We are incredibly grateful to James Lake, The Helen Foundation, and Daisi Arts for making this experience possible. Opportunities like this are so valuable in helping students build skills, confidence, and creative ambition,especially for those preparing for their GCSEs. The energy and inspiration in the room were tangible." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:"Giving students access to professional creatives is an important part of helping them see what’s possible through the arts. This workshop is a brilliant example of how partnerships can bring curriculum learning to life, and we’re proud to see our schools nurturing the next generation of artists."

The diversity work in school aims to educate students by providing them with the knowledge to understand and respect differences. It is also about celebrating and valuing the diverse identities represented within our school community. Students are invited to  give presentations about their personal experience, based on the 'human library' concept that helps to challenge prejudices through open conversations. For example this term Elliott (Year 7) kindly agreed to share his story as a disabled student and wheelchair user. Ini (Year 10), who is from Zimbabwe, presented about the history and significance of African braided hair. Aisha (Year 9) explained the secret language of henna, linked to her family heritage in Qatar and Sri Lanka. 

These sessions have proved very popular, watch this space for more of them being organised in the next academic year.

The diversity work in school aims to educate students by providing them with the knowledge to understand and respect differences. It is also about celebrating and valuing the diverse identities represented within our school community. Students are invited to  give presentations about their personal experience, based on the 'human library' concept that helps to challenge prejudices through open conversations. For example this term Elliott (Year 7) kindly agreed to share his story as a disabled student and wheelchair user. Ini (Year 10), who is from Zimbabwe, presented about the history and significance of African braided hair. Aisha (Year 9) explained the secret language of henna, linked to her family heritage in Qatar and Sri Lanka.  These sessions have proved very popular, watch this space for more of them being organised in the next academic year.