In and Around the Houses

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The following has been designed to give you information in advance of your visit to Manchester Art Gallery so that you can get the most out of your morning or afternoon activity session.

Aims:

Silver display in the 18th century gallery

  • To make the pupils visit to MAG an enjoyable and memorable experience
  • To introduce and welcome young visitors to a variety of artworks, on the theme of houses and homes
  • To explore a range of objects and paintings that address how homes have changed historically
  • To expand pupils vocabulary for describing works of art whatever their previous experience and knowledge

What happens in a session:

  • The tour will be lead by a gallery educator who will stay with the group throughout
  • Pupils will learn how to use the gallery as a learning resource and will become familiar with a series of paintings and objects
  • Pupils will explore the collection, creating stories and collecting information in a sketch book
  • Pupils will gather information experientially that connect to their current life experiences and will impact future learning

Preparation:

  • Before you visit discuss the value of experiencing ‘real’ objects through a gallery visit, rather than reproductions
  • Discuss the different types of houses the pupils have, they could bring in photographs to show to the class during circle time
  • Choose a famous person and imagine the house they live in, consider what would it be like to go inside and explore the rooms, e.g. the Queen and her many houses
  • Split the class into small groups of mixed ability and bring a minimum of 1 adult to 5 pupils, ensuring that adults are briefed to be aware of their supervisory role and responsibilities for engaging the children when they working together in groups
  • Explain why pupils are not allowed to touch, eat or drink at Manchester Art Gallery (i.e. for protection and conservation work)
  • Bring a camera and record the visit. The photographs can be used to inform work back at school.

For more information including booking, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment, please go to plan your visit.