Radford College is fortunate to have its own Atelierista – a rare and specialised educator who brings together art, imagination and learning in extraordinary ways. The role, inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach, is far more than an “art teacher.” An Atelierista collaborates with children and educators to create a dynamic space where curiosity, creativity and exploration thrive.

In this edition of "Five minutes with", we meet Kate Pearson, Radford’s Atelierista, to find out what makes her role so distinctive and how she inspires even the youngest learners to see themselves as artists.

You joined Radford College in 2021. Where were you working before and what brought you to Radford?

I began my working life designing, creating and painting in fashion and textile design studios. After moving from Sydney, I started a commercial art studio, and after 15 years of working for myself, I wanted to share my love of art with children. My first roles as an Atelierista were in childcare settings. However, after almost ten years, it was time for a change! I was fortunate to discover the Atelierista position at Radford College’s ELC and, from the moment I walked into the Reggio Emilia-inspired, purpose-built space, I knew it was somewhere I would love to work. I also felt it would be a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the experienced team of teachers and educators here.

Can you describe your role as Atelierista and how it fits within Radford’s Junior School?

My role fosters an innovative learning environment that empowers children to participate, create, research and play in collaboration with teachers and educators. As the Atelierista, I am a trained artist and educator who often works with children in a dedicated art studio (the Atelier – “a dynamic laboratory of research, creativity and discovery”). I intentionally curate the shared spaces, both inside and outside the ELC.

Through child-led projects, I aim to guide the children’s encounters with provocations, materials and conversations. I seek out their interests, complement classroom curricula and introduce them to an array of materials, techniques and experiences. Observing, listening, documenting and reflecting are all essential to my role. Documentation, in particular, allows me to share the children’s learning and progress, highlighting their creativity and their voice.

I hope the children leave the ELC with a love of learning, a creative spirit and a willingness to engage and experiment – experiences that will continue to inspire them as they move into the Junior School and beyond.

What inspires your approach to art education for young children?

The Reggio Emilia approach is a constant inspiration and central to my art education philosophy. It emphasises that every child is capable and competent, with so much potential. It honours the uniqueness of each child and sees them as active participants who are curious to explore, create, learn and play.

I also love to incorporate the things that inspire me into our shared projects – eclectic design, colour, nature, art history and the rich array of artists and art movements. Recycled and natural materials are highly valued and used extensively for loose-parts play. I strive to find opportunities to infuse art teaching and learning across all areas.

How do you encourage creative expression in students who may not see themselves as “artists”?

Pablo Picasso famously said, “Every child is an artist,” and I agree. In my role as Atelierista, I offer all children rich and diverse opportunities to express themselves and discover their own language for creativity. Each child is unique, and I work alongside them as a co-learner to explore what sparks their curiosity and inspires them to wonder and create. Sometimes it takes time and encouragement for creation to begin and at times it is best to offer an alternative pathway to expression.

I focus on what each child can do, rather than what they can’t. As their first year at Radford College progresses, it is wonderful to see their confidence grow and the artist within emerge.

What’s the best part of your day?

I love seeing the joy and excitement when children discover, engage and play with materials and provocations – their genuine delight as they create and explore, often in wonderfully chaotic ways! Sharing their successes and stories and listening to their reflections on what they might do differently next time, are all experiences that make for a great day.

People would be surprised to know…

Even though I only speak English, each day I aspire to introduce the children in the ELC to the Hundred Languages!

Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, describes the “infinite ways that children can express, explore and connect their thoughts, feelings and imaginings.” These languages – the Hundred Languages of Children – are symbolic and open to the endless potential of children.