Secondary history

The National Portrait Gallery has a permanent collection of portraits from the 16th century to the present day, as well as a changing programme of temporary exhibitions. We collect portraits
according to historic rather than aesthetic criteria and therefore provide ideal sources for secondary and sixth form historical studies.

All sessions and talks are FREE and are available on weekdays during term time, subject to availability.

We offer Gallery talks or slide talks, depending on the size of the group. Practically, a slide lecture can be advantageous with good viewing conditions for all the group. Our staff will always try and involve students by encouraging discussion of the images shown. Tailor-made talks can be devised to fit in with your approach if you are working on a particular
project of your own.

Key Stage 3 and GCSE

Choose one of the following topics:

Tudors*

Elizabethans*

Stuarts*

Regency

Victorians 

Gallery sessions (11/2 hours): For smaller groups (one class, max. 35 pupils) we offer a Gallery session, consisting of discussion in front of the portraits, followed by either drawing or worksheets.

Slide talks (1 hour): For larger groups (max. 138 pupils) we offer a slide talk in the Ondaatje Wing Theatre. Groups can also book a self-directed visit to the relevant galleries following their slide talk.

*These sessions link with QCA History Schemes of Work, Unit 7, Images of an Age: what can we learn from portraits 1500-1750?

Sixth Form

Choose one of the following topics:

Tudor Portraiture
How the visual codes within Tudor portraits can be analysed and understood. Study notes are available for this topic.

Art, Power and Politics in the 17th Century
The visual language of power and conflict duing the reign of the Stuart Kings James I and Charles I, the Civil War and the Interregnum. Study notes are available for this topic.

Reaction and Radicalism, 1789-1832
The new Regency galleries illustrate the main personalities in this tumultuous period, which encompasses the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the abolition of slavery and the Great Reform Act of 1832.

Portraiture, Politics and Empire
British Imperialism in the 19th century.

Introduction to the National Portrait Gallery
A look at the highlights of the collection (this can be tailored to suit your group's specific area of study).

Who's In?
A look at the issues surrounding contemporary collecting and how the Gallery decides what to collect.

Gallery sessions (1 hour): For smaller groups (one class, max. 25 students) we offer a Gallery session, which takes place in front of the portraits.

Slide talks (1 hour): For larger groups (max. 138 students) we offer a slide talk in the Ondaatje Wing Theatre. Groups can also book a self-directed visit to the relevant galleries following their talk.

Groups must be ready to start their sessions at the booked time. We expect group leaders to remain with their students during the sessions. We regret that there are no parking facilities or a groups lunchroom at the Gallery.

Contact and Booking Information

Education Programme 2008-09 - Secondary (PDF file)

Go to a large print, text-only version of this site

All images and text are subject to copyright protection. 21 August 2008