Laura Graham-Matheson
My research: Art Education in Primary
Schools
Before I began my PhD I was a Year 1 teacher
in an inner-London primary school. My background is in
Textile Art and African Studies. I love to travel and
understand how people from other places and cultures make sense of
the world.
My research is looking at art education in
primary schools, with particular regard to teachers teaching
art.
Why did you choose this programme at this
University?
I applied for a Studentship that was offered
for PhD research into Creativity and Education, and was
successful.
How long have you been studying at
YSJ?
I started my PhD in January 2011.
How did you find combining your
‘work & home’ life with your studies?
The transition from teaching to studying
full-time has been significant, but I love the flexibility of
studying and I am really enjoying the work that I’m doing.
What did you find most helpful
about the programme, resources, staff,
university?
The staff in the Research Office have been
really helpful and supportive. There an extensive training
programme and having access to courses at Leeds as well as YSJ is
really helpful.
What is the best thing about being
a student at YSJ?
The thing that strikes me most about YSJ,
compared with other universities I’ve been part of, is that people
seem to really care about you. You’re not just another
student here, or just a student number, people actually know your
name!