York Castle Museum

Workshop Programme

Primary School Workshops

Our education workshops take place in the galleries and our learning room, The Studio.

Each workshop is for a maximum of 30 pupils, unless otherwise stated. Click here for National Curriculum links for each workshop.

We also welcome secondary school groups - skip to Secondary School visits for more information.

Prices

2011/2012
1 hour workshop - £60
1 hour 30 minutes workshop - £70
2 hour workshop - £80

Ceramics

Hands-on Ceramics, KS2
1 hour 30 minutes, Risk Assessment

This session uses pots from our collection to explore different construction and decoration techniques. Pupils tour the latest exhibition in our Gallery of Pots, then get hands-on with clay, making a pinch pot.

In addressing how ceramics are used to create both utilitarian and art objects, this session supports learning about the diverse roles of the arts within the cultures of their locality and the wider world.

Portraits

Face to Face, KS1 and KS2
1 hour 30 minutes

This session allows pupils to appreciate how artists depict people; learning about pose and expression. They also consider how the setting, costume and objects add to the meaning of the art work. In a series of practical art activities, using a range of materials, they draw themselves and paint one of their classmates.

Landscape

Being There, KS1
1 hour 30 minutes

How do artists use colour and shape to tell us more about a place? Using sensory boxes to enhance their experience, pupils investigate how the sounds and atmosphere of a place can be represented in paint. They record their findings in a sketch which they use as the basis for a collage in a practical activity in the Studio.

A Sense of Place, KS2
1 hour 30 minutes

Pupils identify the 'tricks' that artists use to create perspective in a variety of different landscapes. Using sensory boxes to stimulate imaginative ideas, pupils make a sketch in the gallery which they develop further into a colour drawing in The Studio.

Story Telling

Pictures Tell Stories, Foundation Stage
1 hour, Risk Assessment

The children explore the paintings in the gallery and draw characters from the artworks before listening to a story about one of the paintings. Using props, the children then engage in role-play to re-tell the story.

The session is designed to encourage imaginative thought and empathy with the characters.

Telling Tales, KS1
1 hour 30 minutes

Pupils must use their investigative skills if they are to unravel the stories in our paintings. Finding imaginative answers creates new stories. They participate in practical activities including drawing and producing their own acrostic poem.

Story Writing, KS2
1 hour, 30 minutes, Risk Assessment

Pupils use the art on display in the gallery to stimulate creative writing through word-games and discussion. In small groups, they develop their thoughts into story-boards which they later share with the whole group in a session of storytelling, celebrating their ideas.

Local History

Can this building speak? KS2
1 hour, 30 minutes

Using old photographs, plans and architectural drawings of York Art Gallery, this session encourages children to examine the evidence and investigate how a building has changed over time. Pupils also consider the design of the building; exploring how shape, pattern and materials have been used. Along the way, the children make their own drawings and designs to record their findings.

Secondary School visits

Please contact us if you would like to enhance your visit with a guided tour.

A brief (15 minute) introduction to the gallery, highlighting one or two key art works will be charged at £15 for a maximum of 30 pupils. We can adapt the tour to suit your needs.

Longer tours or guided activities can be provided at additional cost, ask to speak to a member of the gallery's education team.