What people have said..
"Mark's enthusiasm is very infectious. His creative use of ideas and resources stretches our imaginations every time. Planning and co-operative thinking with staff is meticulous. Teaching staff in both settings have been influenced and inspired to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in creative teaching and thinking outside the box, improving planning across the curriculum, not just art. These skills and attitudes last far beyond an art project and embed themselves in classroom practice." Worcestershire Teacher
"Mark Riley has a long tradition in both the community arts and forest school world for working WITH each learner's creative talent. He is a keen observer of learners needs and motivations and works tirelessly to harness these ...combining them with a desire to work as much as possible with natural materials, while paying considerable attention to sustaining the natural world. I would highly recommend Mark Riley as an experienced educator with a long track record in nurturing creative learners of all ages, working in and with the natural outdoorworld." Jon Cree, formerly Bishops Wood Environmental Education Centre
"Mark demonstrates a willingness to engage with all children and adults on an equal level. He facilitated learning through a number of exciting, engaging and interesting ways that allowed our children to express and develop their own ideas. Throughout the process Mark was flexible and adapted his ways of working in response to our pupil's ideas, needs and suggestions. He empowered our children to take ownership of the projects and to think more deeply about creative processes and meanings" Birmingham Teacher
"Mark has worked to deliver some really positive arts activities to groups of young people on the Climb service, both online and in person. His wonderful ideas, easy-going and approachable attitude really helped the groups to gel and young people to feel comfortable and engaged in the sessions. The way he designs his activities gives young people the opportunity to try lots of different artistic mediums, guide them to come up with their own ideas, and offer a platform to raise meaningful issues that are relevant to our direct work with them."
(The Climb service works to support young people who may be at risk of criminal exploitation across the West Mercia region. A part of our service encourages young people to access positive activities, helping to build their confidence, skills and expose them to safe networks in their local communities.)
Rachel Smith, Activities and Engagement Coordinator, Climb / The Children’s Society
"Mark's passion for the power of creativity to build young people's potential, particularly vulnerable young people, shines through all the work he has done for us. His approach is supportive and encouraging, enquiring and curious, flexible and responsive. He always brings a wide range of visual arts opportunities and young people feel comfortable to open up and engage positively under his creative guidance."
Debbie Birch, Project Manager, Severn Arts
“We are thoroughly enjoying working with Mark Riley, and the art project has been a huge success with our usually reluctant students engaging, participating and being proud of their achievements.” Victoria Rudd, Lead practitioner for Lac and pp Shepwell School
“I loved this project; I am more confident in myself and it has helped me to learn new skills” Student from Shepwell School