Teachers' Notes and Activities
Click on the picture above to download the 'What's in a Portrait' activity sheet.
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
