We are a friendly supportive group of Parchment craft enthusiasts, from all over the world, who wish to help others learn this facinating and absorbing craft.
The Academy does not set out to train candidates to teach in a formal classroom context.
For that we would need to go to college and complete a formal course.
Rather it sets out to prepare candidates to share skills in parchment craft, leading by example so in preparation candidates need to demonstrate their expertise in a range of techniques used in the craft.
Assessment and feedback are crucial for helping people learn.
Progress through the Academy levels should be considered as more like completing a course rather than a series of exams.
In order to share parchment craft skills a tutor needs to be familiar with the principal techniques. Basic parchment skills are covered, but the requirements for completing each design are accompanied by detailed instructions which, as well as giving candidates direction, are also a resource on how to do each technique.
The result builds into a portfolio of skills and techniques used in parchment craft which, together with a range of handouts, will form a basis for developing lesson plans, the candidate’s completed work completing each design.
Tutors will also develop their own approach which is based on their previous experience and ongoing learning through the Academy update sessions.
Like any area of expertise things change overtime with the development of new tools, new trends and fashion so it is anticipated that the Academy will also change and develop over time with extension courses for each level.
Qualifying to teach
The Academy has set out a three-tier exam system to enable candidates to develop, qualify and teach.
First at a basic level, then progressing at the candidates’ own pace to more advanced skills.
Application:
Starting on to the Level 1 Assessment, patterns and instructions are provided and help is available at all stages, where needed. These include tracing, embossing, perforating and colouring. No painting.
Successful candidates will receive a certificate, an Academy badge and a lanyard with the name printed on it. They will also receive, by email, sheets with teaching plans plus teaching support and six lesson plan designs to get started.
Levels 2 and 3 are optional but take candidates through more in-depth and advanced techniques, including simple painting at Level 2 and more advanced painting for Level 3.
Successful candidates are known as Academy Tutors and will automatically be invited to join the teacher network.
They will be given the opportunity to demonstrate, as an Academy Tutor, at any exhibition Pat organizes.
The Academy also has its own face book page for Tutors where extra information from other tutors will share information, workshops, web page clips on techniques so much more.
You will also recieve a monthly newsletter & an exclusive in-house design pattern &/or an exclusive Challenge design from one of our talented designers. You will also have access to our members only fb pages where there are video tutorials.
Membership of the Academy
This is the opportunity to be part of our thriving traditional parchment craft community and to share all that it has to offer without the expectation of undertaking either the ‘Friends’ or the ‘Tutor’ examination courses. You will recieve a monthly newsletter & an exclusive in-house design pattern &/or an exclusive Challenge design from one of our talented designers. You will also have access to our members only fb pages where there are video tutorials.
Learning Styles:
Individuals tend to have a preference for the best way to learn new skills.
We all use a combination of styles but we may favour one approach more than others:
1. By seeing –watching a demonstration
2. By listening – having verbal instruction
3. Written instruction - having written instructions
4. By doing – practising under supervision
Ideally a mix is the best way to offer a class instruction but being aware that different students need different support which suits their learning style.
HOW THE ACADEMY WORKS......
Friend of the Academy
This is for those students who do not wish necessarily to undertake a Tutors exam but would still like to be able to feel part ofthe Academy and its community.
It is a set course where your work and progress can be appraised. You will also recieve a monthly newsletter & an exclusive in-house design pattern &/or an exclusive Challenge design from one of our talented designers.You will also have access to our members only fb pages where there are video tutorials.
About Us
Academy of Independent Parchment Craft Tutors