Search

Beautiful cards, prints and other items inspired
by our exhibitions and the collection.

Text Size: A A A

Education

Plan Your Visit

Early Years

Primary KS1

Primary KS2

Workshops

Capturing Nature

Discovering Sculpture

Portraits

Blitz, Change And Rock 'n' Roll

Greek Art & Architecture

Greek Myths & Morals

Victorian Manchester

Mystery Of The Missing Masterpiece

Incredible Characters, Inventive Ending

Artists in Schools

Self Guided Resources

Secondary

Post 16 & HE/FE

Continuous professional development

Pupils embark on a voyage of discovery around the gallery, and discover through drama and role-play the impact of the Second World War on Manchester and its people.

Aims (Skills, Knowledge, Activity, Result)

• To introduce pupils to the Art Gallery and make it an enjoyable and memorable experience.
• To explore the Gallery’s collections related to the theme of Manchester in the 1940s and 1950s and address how life has changed from then to now. 
• To learn about the period by exploring imagery associated with the period and listening to true stories that bring the characters and objects to life.

What happens in a workshop

We begin our tour with a talk and interactive exploration around the Gallery, looking a selection of art works and listening to real peoples’ stories from that time. Pupils participate through discussion, role-play, thought tracking, song, storytelling and association. The war and its after-effects are explored by considering the changing role of women, changes in the centre of Manchester, increase in employment and the introduction of youth culture.

Prepare for your visit

• Prior to the visit discuss the value of directly experiencing 'real' objects through a gallery visit, rather than reproductions. 
• In the classroom, introduce the theme and discuss what the pupils already know and how they can research the time period further. 
• Mention and explore key words such as reminiscence, memories, war, bombing, raids, Anderson shelter and industry. 
• Explain the reasons for no touching or eating in the galleries, i.e. for the protection and conservation of artworks. 
• Bring a minimum of 1 adult to 10 pupils and ensure that adults are briefed to be aware of their supervisory role and responsibilities for engaging the children. 
• Bring a camera and record the visit. The photographs can be used to inform work back at school. 
• Find out how to plan your visit, including booking information, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment.

What people are saying about the workshop

"What a fun way to really get to grips with Manchester at this time. The pupils were totally immersed.I never thought I would see my children jiving"

Teacher