Does a portrait need a face?

This resource uses philosophical inquiry to explore ideas about identity and portraiture. Students will look at and discuss a range of portraits, make their own portraits and use question prompts to help them consider a range of viewpoints.

You can try all four sessions or select sessions to suit your learners.

Sessions are intended for 9-13-year-olds but can be adapted for other age groups.  

Session 1   

What is a portrait?

This session introduces a range of approaches to making portraits and a variety of opinions about portraiture. Think, listen, discuss ideas and make your own portrait.  

Download Powerpoint

Download Powerpoint (BSL)

Download Lesson plan (Word document)

Session two

Does a portrait need a face?

This session introduces three very different portraits and asks you to consider what you can learn about a person from their portrait. Think, listen, discuss and experiment with new ways to represent another person. 

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Download PowerPoint (BSL)

Download lesson plan (Word document)

Session three

Brain or body

This session explores what makes us who we are, by asking you to choose between your brain or your body. What might happen if you swapped brain or body with another person? 

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Download PowerPoint (BSL)

Download lesson plan (Word document)

Session four

A portrait of Scotland

This session invites you to imagine Scotland as a person. Gather objects, consider images and stereotypes to develop your own understanding of what Scotland means to you and how you might show that through portraiture. 

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Download PowerPoint (BSL)

Download lesson plan (Word document)

This resource supports a range of Experiences and Outcomes in line with the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence, including the following:  

Literacy

When I engage with others, I know when and how to listen, when to talk, how much to say, when to ask questions and how to respond with respect. LIT 1-02a

When I engage with others, I can respond in ways appropriate to my role, show that I value others’ contributions and use these to build on thinking. LIT 2-02a

As I listen or watch, I can identify and discuss the purpose, key words and main ideas of the text, and use this information for a specific purpose. LIT 1-04a

As I listen or watch, I can identify and discuss the purpose, main ideas and supporting detail contained within the text, and use this information for different purposes. LIT 2-04a

can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to and asking different kinds of questions. LIT 1-07a

I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to literal, inferential, evaluative and other types of questions, and by asking different kinds of questions of my own.

LIT 2-07a

Art & Design

Inspired by a range of stimuli, I can express and communicate my ideas, thoughts and feelings through activities within art and design. EXA 1-05a / EXA 2-05

I can respond to the work of artists and designers by discussing my thoughts and feelings. I can give and accept constructive comment on my own and others’ work. EXA 1-07a / EXA 2-07a

Sponsors

Partners

In partnership with

  • The Wisdom Collective

Thanks to Cramond Primary School and South Morningside Primary School.

Learning resources

Learning resources

Art is a tool that can help us make sense of the world around us. We've gathered resources to help teachers inspire children and young people to develop a positive sense of self, think for themselves, stay well and grow their creativity skills (problem solving, imagination, curiosity and open mindedness).

Learning & Engagement contact details

If you're looking for more information on our learning programmes, please get in touch with our team who will be happy to advise and help plan your group visit.

+44 (0)131 624 6410

[email protected]

23 September 2022