Teaching

We aim to underpin each student's understanding of their practice and the complexities of the context in which they seek to operate. Teaching responds to individual needs and is critical and supportive: no prevailing ideology is taught within the Schools. The Year Tutors are responsible for the individual development of each student.

In the first year, students give a slide presentation of their past work, supplemented by current studio activity. This enables the year group to establish their thinking and to develop a basic understanding of the positions adopted by other students. It is expected that students will encounter criticism as well as praise from their peers.

Art work by RA Schools student Alasdair Duncan Teaching is organised by the Year Tutors and supplemented by visiting tutors who represent a diverse range of contemporary practitioners and academics. Throughout the course, students are required to attend the lecture programme and group seminars, in addition to one-to-one tutorials. Preparing for and mounting exhibitions of their work is also an important part of the students' evolution as practicing artists. Students mount two exhibitions of their work - an interim show during their second year (Premiums) and a final year show (RA Schools Show). These are key developmental milestones in the structure of the course.

The Keeper and Curator review each student and their work annually and provide a critical overview of the year's achievements.

Third year students submit a written thesis that closely relates to their studio practice. They are also required to attend a series of professional practice lectures given by a variety of gallery-owners, accountants and art professionals. Third year students are also offered teaching placements at a number of national art schools.

The Life Room continues to be core to the Schools' activities. Life drawing classes are on offer to all students and life models are always available.

The Schools take advantage of the RA's exhibition programme and recognise its value in establishing critical art debate. Curators and artists participating in the exhibitions are invited to talk to students whenever possible. Students also benefit from the RA Schools Library and the RA Library, considered one of the finest fine art book collections in the world, and its team of curators and librarians.

The Academicians provide the Schools with the highest calibre of artistic support. They visit the Schools to discuss students' work, and many have invited groups of students to visit their studios - a rare privilege.