Case study: Portraits workshop at Bolton Museum and Archive Service
Bolton Museum and Archive Service run a Portraits workshop for KS1 and KS2 that, though based around Art and Design, is interdisciplinary and uses a variety of learning styles.
Miriam Moritz, Formal Learning Manager at Bolton Museum and Archive Service, suggests that the workshop is particularly suitable for Years 4 to 6:
‘The dressing up and role-play in pairs as an ‘artist’ or ‘sitter’ is particularly successful. The pupils are encouraged to look carefully at the Portraits in the Gallery, and to observe closely to develop their observational drawing skills. They use speaking and listening skills, both when listening and responding to the presenter, but also to negotiate with their partner when discussing pose, costume, expression and whether their portrait is to be oval or rectangular, full length or head and shoulders.’
A glossary of useful terms is also provided for teachers to refer to back at school with their pupils.