School Education Programs
Gallery Education Programs
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery offers a range of educational programs for primary and secondary schools developed to meet the requirements of students studying the NSW Creative Arts and Visual Arts Syllabus. Cessnock Regional Art Gallery also runs a range of themed discussion tours which can be adapted to suit each of our exhibitions. The Gallery also extends its school programs to embrace the teaching of other disciplines beyond the visual arts. Examples of our projects can be seen under News.
These can be combined with practical activities and art-making workshops. Teachers are encouraged to liaise with gallery staff in tailoring Gallery visits to suit their students' learning profile in relation to our exhibitions.
School visits can be arranged to suit class numbers. A minimal cost of $3.00 is charged per student for Gallery run tours and workshops. If this cost is a barrier please contact the Gallery.
Bookings and enquires
We recommend that all school groups, including self guided tour groups make bookings to ensure the Gallery can cater for your visit on the day.
For further information about tours and bookings please contact the gallery on 02 4991 6619 or by email at info@crag.net.au
Education Programs for K-6 students
The Gallery's education programs for K-6 students are designed to meet the outcomes of the NSW Creative Arts Syllabus and are linked to other key learning areas. Gallery programs include discussion groups and practical activities related to our regularly changing exhibitions. School excursion groups of up to 30 students are allocated three educators. In small groups, students spend an hour exploring the world of art through looking, interpreting and discussing the works on display. Practical activities include role-playing, story telling and exploring the skills involved in making art works. The aim of these programs is for students to develop a greater understanding and enjoyment of art through engaging with original art objects; investigating the professional practice of artists and their role in society; formulating ideas and critical points of view about the diverse contexts in which art operates; and to experiment with and manipulate art materials and processes as a means of creating their own individual works that express their ideas about the world they live in and are learning about.
Suggested focus for Gallery Discussion Tours
Talking Art
Learn to confidently express your ideas about what art is and what it means. This 90 minute* program involves discussion, role playing and art making activities that are designed to explore each students response to the artist's ideas as encapsulated in the artworks on exhibition.
Level: Years K-6
*The Gallery recommends a 60 minute program for K-2 students
Making Art
Explore the work of artists in our current exhibitions through gallery-based discussions and hands-on art activities. Experiment with a variety of materials and methods, including drawing, collage and sculpture.
Level: Years 4-6
Writing about Art
Following a guided tour through the Gallery's current exhibition, students become art reviewers through discussion, role playing and writing activities.
Level: 5-6
For further details about tours, including education kits with pre and post visit activities please contact the Gallery.
Education Programs for 7-12 students
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery provides 60 minute Discussion Tours for 7-12 students focusing on investigations, interpretations and experiences of the artworks in the Gallery's exhibitions. Discussion Tours are designed to meet the outcomes of the NSW Visual Arts Syllabus.
Suggested focus for Gallery Discussion Tours
The Exhibition in Focus
Engage, look and respond to the original artworks in our exhibitions. Hone your skills in observation and investigate approaches for interpretation and analysis. Broaden your visual arts knowledge while developing visual literacy, critical skills and arts vocabulary. Discuss the ideas, issues and theories and changing contexts of the artworks on exhibition.
The Art Gallery
What is the role of an art gallery in establishing, maintaining and challenging cultural values? Investigate the principles of selection, order and display that underpin our exhibitions.
Visual Arts Syllabus Focus
The Frames
Develop informed points of view and articulate responses to the artworks in our exhibitions using the Frames as a tool for critical thinking and analysis.
The Conceptual Framework
Define and identify the agents of the art world: artwork, artist, audience and world. Decode their meanings, relationships and influence on one another as revealed in key artworks in the Gallery's exhibitions.
Body of Work
Consider the concept of a body of work with reference to the artists in our exhibitions. Discuss the development of the artist's ideas and concepts. Consider the artist's selection and use of materials. Investigate various artforms and the tools and processes by which they are made. Discuss the artwork's physical properties, its presence and impact on the viewer, historical origins and how the use of materials contributes to the meaning of the artwork. Discussions will focus on the specific practice of artists showcased in each of our exhibitions.
Writing about Art
This 90 minute workshop uses structured writing exercises to investigate the skills and practices of curators, art historians and critics. Examples of art writing including wall texts, catalogues and reviews are analysed with a view to understanding their uses and audiences. Students learn to compose, compare and present written responses about the artworks in our exhibitions.
After School Hours Tours for Years 11 and 12 Students
If you are having difficulties organising excursions to the Gallery during school hours, Discussion Tours can also be booked as after school visits. The Gallery is open until 4pm Tuesday to Friday but we can arrange a late opening for your group on request.
For further details about tours, including education kits with pre and post visit activities please contact the Gallery.
Professional development for Teachers
Engage with the Gallery's exhibitions as a core resource for teaching practice and classroom programming as well as opportunities for professional networking and personal enrichment. The Gallery hosts regular Teacher Previews for exhibitions and Teacher Holiday Workshops.
For more information please contact the Gallery.
