PGCE Secondary trainees enjoy creative workshop with Black History Month influences

This September, PGCE Secondary trainees specialising in Art & Design attended a creative workshop in our campus art studio, inspired by Black History Month (BHM). 

The workshop was highly productive, with trainees generating a range of successful and creative outcomes. Examples of some of their work, related to BHM include: 

• Jasmine Hayton produced an intaglio print of Phillis Wheatley Peters – the first African American author of a published book of poetry, originally from West Africa who was sold into slavery aged seven. Wheatley's writing was sophisticated and thematically complex. She used her devout Christian principles to discuss her feelings of displacement from her African homeland and heritage, as well as her political concerns for the rights of slaves.
• Mia Atkins produced an intaglio print of Keke Palmer as the character of Emerald Haywood in ‘Nope’ (pictured), a film by Jordan Peele. Peele made waves in the horror industry in recent years, with very few horror and/or thriller films featuring black protagonists or 'black stories'. Horror is a great carrier for social commentary and Peele's work include themes around racism, oppression, and identity. 

The workshop offered the trainees a valuable opportunity to refine their own practical skills, while critically evaluating how projects might be received by secondary-aged students. 

By working with accessible materials such as Tetra Pak cartons to create intaglio printing plates, trainees explored a financially viable and environmentally conscious technique that schools can realistically adopt. The activity also encouraged reflection on potential misconceptions students might face, helping trainees prepare to address these in their future classrooms. 

Sarah Ward, Senior Lecturer in PGCE Secondary Art & Design and Design & Technology, shared more about the course: “Trainees on the PGCE Secondary Art & Design and Design & Technology courses develop a broad range of subject knowledge and practical skills across disciplines such as product design, textiles, electronics, food technology, ceramics, printing, fine art, and photography. 

“Through immersive workshops, they gain hands-on experience and pedagogical insight, equipping them to confidently deliver creative and inclusive lessons during school placements and into their Early Career Teacher years. The course is designed to foster innovation, adaptability, and reflective practice – all key qualities for inspiring and supporting diverse learners in today’s classrooms.” 

To find out more about our Black History Month events, please click here!

To find out more about PGCE Secondary at Lincoln Bishop, please click here! Applications are now open for September 2026.