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.
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.
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?
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.
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
Partners
In partnership with
Thanks to Cramond Primary School and South Morningside Primary School.