Key Stage 2
The National Portrait Gallery works with primary school groups in exciting and innovative ways. We respond to the individual needs of particular classes and provide tailor-made sessions relating to the permanent Collection by prior request. Our onsite gallery sessions and workshops respond to the requirements of the National Curriculum. We also provide videoconferences of many of our taught sessions for schools that are too far afield to visit us.
This information is aimed at assisting teachers to plan trips for their classes, and may be useful to communicate the educational purposes of the visit to parents and school governors. See below for our range of CPD sessions for teachers.
Programmes are free of charge and materials are provided. Sessions last from 1½ hours to half-day and are facilitated by experienced freelance staff. We recommend a pre-visit to see the galleries you will be using.
Art
Hands-on practical ready-made and tailor-made sessions for Years 3 to 6 create links between our Collection and pupils’ own artwork.
History
Explore how Tudor and Victorian portraits provide historical evidence through active discussion, role play and practical art work.
Literacy
Combine Literacy with Art and History to see portraits of classic authors from the past, or to explore the biographies of some famous and intriguing people.
Science
Link Science with aspects of portraiture to look at fabrics represented in portraits and how oil paint was made.
Music, Dance and Drama
New approaches to interpreting portraits using music, dance and drama.
