Alison Cowan

Job Role: Graphic Design Tutor (Alison Cowan)

1. Introduction

Alison Cowan is the Graphic Design Tutor at the British Creative Institute (BCi), delivering creative education and skills training for post-16 learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Alison’s responsibilities include planning and teaching graphic design courses, adapting curriculum materials for diverse learning needs, and ensuring that each student has a supportive and accessible educational experience. Through her expertise and passion for visual communication, Alison fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where all learners can explore their creativity, develop professional skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.

2. Core Responsibilities

1. Curriculum Design and Delivery
   • Creating Engaging Content
     Alison designs and regularly updates lesson plans to ensure the graphic design curriculum is current, relevant, and industry-focused. She selects projects and assignments that encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration among students.
   • Differentiated Instruction
     Recognising that students learn in varied ways, particularly those with SEND, Alison tailors her lesson materials and teaching methods. She uses multiple approaches—visual demonstrations, written instructions, and hands-on activities—to ensure all students can access the curriculum effectively.
   • Practical Skill Development
     Alison introduces various industry-standard tools and software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and supports learners in developing practical skills. She also incorporates emerging technologies and design trends, preparing her students for a constantly evolving creative landscape.
2. Assessment and Feedback
   • Formative and Summative Assessments
     Through in-class activities, projects, and coursework, Alison gauges students’ understanding of design principles, techniques, and software skills. She provides prompt, constructive feedback to foster ongoing improvement.
   • Individual Progress Tracking
     Alison tracks each learner’s progress, identifying strengths and areas needing support. This process involves frequent check-ins, self-assessment, and peer reviews to help students understand and refine their creative process.
   • Supportive Critique Sessions
     Group critiques and one-to-one reviews form an essential part of her teaching, helping learners develop critical thinking and reflective skills while also building resilience and the capacity to handle professional feedback.
3. Adapting for SEND Learners
   • Accessible Materials and Resources
     Alison ensures that lesson resources are accessible, providing materials in multiple formats (e.g., large print, digital text, audio descriptions) for learners who need them. She collaborates with Learning Support Assistants to adapt tasks and software settings to meet specific requirements.
   • Collaborative Support
     In partnership with Student Support Services, Alison identifies and implements strategies to accommodate individual needs. This could include extended deadlines, alternative assignment formats, or one-to-one guidance sessions.
   • Assistive Technologies
     When necessary, Alison incorporates specialised tools like screen readers, text-to-speech software, or alternative input devices. These technologies help students with physical or sensory impairments to interact effectively with design software and complete coursework.
4. Classroom Management and Pastoral Care
   • Inclusive Learning Environment
     Alison fosters a supportive, respectful classroom culture, encouraging students to value each other’s perspectives. Clear guidelines and positive reinforcement are used to manage behaviour, ensuring that all learners feel safe, involved, and motivated.
   • Emotional Wellbeing
     Recognising the stresses that can come with creative work, Alison monitors students’ emotional wellbeing. She works closely with pastoral teams, referring students for additional guidance or counselling when needed.
   • Encouraging Independence
     While offering assistance, Alison promotes independent problem-solving and self-directed learning. She encourages students to experiment with design tools and techniques, helping them develop confidence and resilience.
5. Professional Development and Industry Links
   • Maintaining Industry Relevance
     To stay current, Alison regularly updates her skills and knowledge in graphic design. She attends industry events, training sessions, and online courses, integrating new trends and practices into her teaching.
   • Industry Collaborations
     Alison helps establish and maintain connections with local design studios, agencies, and creative professionals. These partnerships enable work experience opportunities, guest lectures, and real-world project briefs, bridging theory with practical application.
   • Student Portfolios
     By guiding students in assembling professional portfolios, Alison enhances their employability. She advises on selecting design pieces, building a personal brand, and effectively presenting work to potential employers or further education institutions.
6. Team Collaboration and Communication
   • Working with BCi Staff
     Alison collaborates with other tutors and the leadership team to plan cross-departmental projects and events. She participates in staff meetings, contributing ideas on curriculum enhancements and student support initiatives.
   • Multi-Disciplinary Approach
     When students’ needs span multiple disciplines (e.g., combining graphic design with music, film, or photography), Alison liaises with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects. This broadens learners’ perspectives and deepens their creative skills.
   • Family and Carer Involvement
     Alison communicates regularly with students’ families or carers, particularly where additional support or SEND interventions are in place. She provides updates on progress, celebrating achievements and discussing strategies for continued growth.

3. Fulfilling the Role for Post-16 SEND Learners

1. Holistic Skill Development
   • Creative and Technical Skills
     By blending hands-on design projects with theory, Alison ensures learners develop both technical competencies (e.g., software proficiency, typography, layout skills) and broader creative thinking abilities.
   • Life and Employability Skills
     Projects and workshops often include real-world themes, such as designing marketing materials for a local charity. This practical element equips learners with communication, teamwork, and time management skills vital for their future paths.
2. Nurturing Confidence and Independence
   • Student-Centred Approach
     Alison sets achievable yet challenging goals, encouraging each learner to build on their strengths while addressing areas for improvement. She consistently celebrates small wins, boosting self-esteem and motivation.
   • Peer Collaboration
     Through group tasks and critique sessions, students develop social and communication skills. Alison emphasises respect, empathy, and constructive feedback, helping learners gain confidence in sharing their ideas and accepting peer critique.
3. Implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
   • Goal Setting
     In consultation with SEND coordinators and other support staff, Alison identifies clear, measurable objectives for each student’s IEP, ensuring these align with the broader curriculum and personal aspirations.
   • Targeted Interventions
     Depending on each learner’s needs, Alison may implement interventions such as additional one-to-one coaching or extended software tutorials. She tracks progress meticulously, adjusting approaches as necessary.
   • Regular Reviews
     Alongside the learner, family members, and support staff, Alison reviews IEP goals periodically. These updates allow for tailored support strategies, ensuring the learner remains on track for success.
4. Creating a Supportive Environment
   • Positive Behaviour Strategies
     Alison employs positive behaviour management techniques, such as praise and targeted support, to maintain a calm and encouraging classroom. This approach helps students with SEND feel respected and understood, thereby reducing anxiety and increasing engagement.
   • Accessible Class Projects
     Recognising that some learners may have physical or cognitive challenges, Alison carefully crafts assignments with multiple entry points. This flexibility allows every student to participate meaningfully, regardless of their starting skill level.
5. Collaboration with Specialists
   • Working with Educational Psychologists
     When concerns arise regarding a learner’s progress or behaviour, Alison consults with educational psychologists to gain insights into potential strategies or adjustments.
   • Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT)
     For learners requiring communication support, Alison liaises with SaLT professionals, integrating strategies into lessons that build communication and self-expression skills.
   • Occupational Therapists (OT)
     In cases where fine motor skills or task sequencing proves challenging, Alison adapts lesson materials based on OT recommendations. She might introduce alternative design tools, adjustable workstations, or step-by-step task guides.
6. Showcasing Achievement
   • Student Exhibitions
     Alison organises or contributes to annual exhibitions, where students display their artwork for peers, family members, and industry representatives. This public display of creativity boosts confidence and provides valuable feedback from external sources.
   • Digital Portfolios and Competitions
     In addition to physical displays, Alison encourages students to build online portfolios or enter design competitions, expanding their reach and receiving recognition for their work.
   • Celebrations and Certificates
     Alison regularly acknowledges progress, whether through end-of-term awards, small celebratory events, or digital badges marking completed tasks.
7. Reflective Practice and Professional Growth
   • Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
     Alison engages in ongoing CPD, attending workshops on SEND support, emerging design technologies, and inclusive teaching methods. This continuous learning helps her refine her approach to delivering high-quality education.
   • Reflective Journals
     By maintaining a teaching journal, Alison evaluates her strategies, celebrates successes, and identifies areas for improvement. This reflection shapes her future lesson planning and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement within BCi.
   • Peer Observations
     Alison invites colleagues to observe her lessons, welcoming constructive feedback. Similarly, she attends fellow tutors’ sessions, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared expertise.
8. Impact and Outcomes for SEND Learners
   • Enhanced Engagement
     Learners with SEND benefit from Alison’s accessible and student-centred teaching style. Many report increased enthusiasm for creative tasks, improved confidence, and a greater sense of accomplishment.
   • Progression Routes
     With well-rounded portfolios and industry-relevant skills, Alison’s students frequently progress to further education, apprenticeships, or employment in creative fields.
   • Positive Learning Culture
     Alison’s dedication to inclusivity has contributed significantly to BCi’s supportive reputation. Students from various backgrounds and abilities thrive in an environment that encourages exploration, resilience, and self-expression.

4. Conclusion

In her role as a Graphic Design Tutor at the British Creative Institute, Alison Cowan is instrumental in fostering a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive environment for post-16 learners, including those with SEND. Through meticulously crafted lessons, differentiated instruction, and a deep understanding of individual education needs, Alison ensures that every student can access and benefit from high-quality graphic design education. Her commitment to continuous professional development and her collaborative spirit with colleagues and external partners further enrich the learning experience.

Ultimately, Alison’s contribution extends beyond the classroom, equipping learners with the confidence, skills, and creative vision they need to thrive in an ever-evolving artistic and professional landscape. Her dedication to inclusive education underlines BCi’s mission to empower all students, champion their successes, and celebrate their individual journeys towards fulfilling creative careers.