Teachers' Notes

Key Stage 2: Art. Portraits and Images at Blenheim Palace

During the visit Blenheim teaching staff lead the children in the observation and study of a range of images in the magnificent Palace collection. We are able to respond to any study topic request from teachers but the work, to reflect the Key Stage 2 curriculum will normally include:

• Different forms of image (painting, sculpture, tapestry, photographs)
• Why the image was made: choice of subjects
• Relationships: two or three people, families, groups and more
• Aspects of the subject's personality revealed through the interpretation of the image
• Expression, feeling and mood
• Interest and action
• Size and pose
• Impact of costume
• Using mixed media in class work
• Physical features (especially hands, eyes, gestures)
• Unusual and significant details
• Use of background
• Composition and arrangement: significance
• Images which tell a story
• Symbolism
• What there is for children to feel and think about