The Artisan Teacher
The Artisan Teacher Programme is designed to support teachers in their third, fourth, and fifth years of teaching.
It builds on the Early Career Framework (ECF), focusing on refining teaching practice, strengthening subject expertise, and preparing participants for subject leadership. Created by the Venn Academies Trust, it aligns with the trust’s commitment to high-quality education and inclusive practices.
Further information
Programme Overview
The programme supports teachers by:
- Enhancing adaptive teaching skills to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
- Strengthening subject and curriculum knowledge for high-quality teaching.
- Promoting effective classroom management to ensure progress for all learners.
- Preparing participants for subject leadership and contributions to School Development Plans
- (SDPs).
- Encouraging a positive classroom culture that motivates pupils and removes barriers to learning.
Programme Structure
Year 3 – Developing Expertise
The three-year programme is tailored to help teachers grow from skilled practitioners to emerging leaders:
- Build foundational leadership skills and deepen subject knowledge.
- Develop adaptive teaching strategies and strengthen classroom management.
- Begin taking on subject leadership responsibilities, focusing on action planning and pupil progress.
Programme Structure
Year 4 – Embedding Expertise
- Strengthen leadership skills, including monitoring and feedback.
- Deepen understanding of SEND, with strategies for supporting pupils with ASD and ADHD.
- Develop collaborative approaches, such as lesson study and small-scale research projects.
- Develop subject-specific expertise to lead impactful curriculum initiatives across the school.
Programme Structure
Year 5 – Enhancing Expertise
- Master adaptive teaching tailored to diverse needs.
- Mentor Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and contribute to whole-school improvement initiatives.
- Develop subject-specific expertise to lead impactful curriculum initiatives across the school.
Key Features & Programme Benefits
- Adaptive Teaching: Focuses on responding to pupil strengths and needs, including SEND and EAL.
- Practical Learning: Tasks include lesson transcription, data analysis, and leadership planning.
- Leadership Preparation: Supports teachers in mentoring others and leading strategic initiatives.
- Inclusive Practices: Aligned with the trust’s mission to remove learning barriers and foster equity.
The Artisan Teacher Programme provides a structured pathway for teachers to develop advanced teaching expertise and leadership skills. It supports career progression while ensuring participants make meaningful contributions to their schools. The programme also acts as a foundation for further development opportunities, such as the Venn Aspirant Leadership Programme.
“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
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“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
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“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”
“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
“Highly effective and passionate leaders, from in school and the trust, work well together to ensure that pupils in this school make very strong progress from their varied starting points.”
“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
“Pupils love learning at this school. Each morning, friendly staff greet children at the door with big smiles. This creates a welcoming and positive environment for all pupils.”
“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
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“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
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“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
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“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”