Enhancing Art Education: Professional Development at MAVC School of Art

The MAVC Malta School of Art concluded the 2024-2025 academic year with a comprehensive two-day professional development (PD) event held on the 16th and 17th of June, 2025. This final event of the scholastic year provided an enriching platform for teachers to enhance their skills, reflect on pedagogical practices, and engage with new artistic initiatives.

The PD program featured two specialised workshops. The first, focused on painting and colour, was led by veteran artist Joseph ‘Saliba-Saliba’. The Teachers had the opportunity to refine their techniques, explore new approaches to colour and composition, and gain insights from an experienced practitioner. The second workshop centered on wood carving, conducted by the School of Art  teacher and artist Stefan Priehyba, offering hands-on experience in the art and craft of sculpture.

In addition to the workshops, Mr. Roderick Camilleri, the school headmaster, delivered two short but impactful talks across the two days. He discussed the importance of consolidating competencies among teachers, promoting research and artistic reflection, and strategies for improving teaching and learning within the school. Mr. Camilleri also highlighted recent developments, including the introduction of a new accredited course in Digital Art and Frame-by-Frame Animation, as well as the use of new digital resources such as VR and Tablets which aim to expand students’ digital skills and creative opportunities.

Furthermore, Mr. Camilleri provided updates on the school’s infrastructure, mentioning recent maintenance work, the installation of new equipment, and preparations for the upcoming centenary celebrations. He shared innovative ideas for the next scholastic year, emphasising continuous growth and the integration of emerging art forms into the curriculum. This two-day PD event not only marked a significant milestone in professional growth for the teaching staff but also reinforced the MAVC Malta School of Art’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking artistic education environment. As the school approaches its centenary, these initiatives lay a strong foundation for future success and innovation.