STRUCTURE YOUR VISIT

We recommend that, if possible, the teacher or group leader should visit the gallery prior to bringing their group. This will enable the teacher to become familiar with the layout and facilities available in the gallery.

Be realistic about how long the children will remain engaged in the gallery. Younger children, especially under five and primary, will usually learn in short 15 – 20 minute periods. Older pupils can spend approximately one hour. Pupils may benefit from a more valuable experience in concentrating on a few key works, rather than being overwhelmed with everything on show in the collection; this depends heavily upon their age.

If groups are to disperse around the building, ensure all pupils are aware of where and when to meet up again.

Getting to see the artworks in real life provides a great opportunity for pupils to sketch from the work. Let them practice their own drawing skills whilst in the gallery.

Decide whether children are to work on their own, or in groups. Successful group visits result from the children knowing what is expected from them. Are they to complete an activity sheet, sketch, look for certain pieces or present feedback to their class? How will their trip be followed up? How does it relate to what they are currently doing in the classroom and what will be expected from them? Pupils that have already begun to explore a theme in Dalí’s work can then relate to certain pieces in the exhibition at a more meaningful level.

Pupils of all ages can gain, develop and improve many skills through a visit to Dalí Universe, here are a few we have identified:

1. Improving observational skills.
2. Learning to communicate verbally about something visual.
3. Improving confidence and familiarity of being in a gallery environment.
4. An ability to contrast and compare artworks.
5. Learning about different materials and media.
6. Improving confidence in discussing what they think of an artwork.
7. Development of language and descriptive skills.
8. Learning how to investigate an artwork.
9. Improving and practicing art skills like sketching.
10. Encourage pupils to think in visual terms both in representational image making and looking.

TALKING ABOUT ART

We encourage students and gallery visitors to discuss the artworks they see - Dali's works are rich with symbolism and comment, and to get the most out of the visit, students should be encouraged to question the motives and techniques involved in the exhibits. We suggest you begin with the following:

1. Why do you think Dali decided to make this artwork?
2. What material is the work made from? Why do you think Dali has chosen to use this particular material to make this work?
3. What do you think about Dali’s use of colour?
4. What date do you think Dali made this work?
5. Do you like or dislike this artwork?
6. How does the work on display make you feel?
7. Which is your favourite piece and why?
8. How does the work in this gallery compare to works you have seen in other galleries?

FOR ENQUIRIES about school group visits or to request an education pack and booking form, please contact us on 020 7450 7617 or email us on groups@countyhallgallery.com.