This program identifies significant events and ideas in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, through key individuals who have shaped the political and cultural developments involved. Students will explore portraits via visual analysis, debate and pictorial representation; and discover how portraits can be used as historical documents. 
 

In these programs we emphasise recognition of individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields of endeavour who have excelled and contributed to society. Students will discover ways to examine the portraits of significant Australians – past and present – through discussion and drawing. 

Our history programs identify significant historical periods, events and ideas through key individuals who have shaped Australia’s social, economic, political and cultural developments. Students will explore portraits through visual analysis, contrast and compare works from different eras, pictorial representation; and discover how portraits can be used as historical documents. 

In collaboration with Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS™ New York), we present critical thinking and visual literacy programs for all levels of education. In them we incorporate concepts of ‘close looking’; verbalising observations and backing up theories with evidence, close listening and developing the skill to simultaneously hold different and sometimes conflicting ideas as possibilities. Students are provided with new skills to navigate and critically examine our image-saturated world. The emphasis is on discussion-based, student-centric learning. 

Looking for a fun and energising activity to begin or end your day in Canberra? Blast off with Mission to Mars, our innovative digital app that brings together art, adventure and exploration. 

Students will need to work together to select a crew to launch into life on Mars. They will explore the Gallery, looking at portraits on display and deciding who should join the crew. Discussion, consideration and collaboration is essential. Who would make the best engineer? Do we need an influencer on board or is a scientist more important? Decisions need to be made quickly while navigating challenges and surprises along the way to lift off. 

Mission to Mars was developed in partnership with the Gallery's Digital Partner Stripy Sock. 

Launching 21 July 2025

Headhunt! is an innovative digital app that invites students on an expedition of curiosity, creativity and collaboration. Exciting and playful, the app appeals to all types of learners, providing students with a sense of autonomy and agency as they work in small teams to scavenge the collection to explore Australian people through the art of portraiture.  

Using one of the Gallery’s devices, students will be directed to different locations in the Gallery where they will choose artworks and capture their insights by completing a series of interactive activities. Students will be prompted to engage deeply with artworks that pique their interests, finding meaning through observation and conversations with their peers. But it’s not just the students who get to have all the fun! Teachers have their very own version of Headhunt! where they can track their students' progress, send messages and read everyone’s thoughtful responses. 

The award-winning Headhunt! app was developed in partnership with the Gallery's Digital Partner Stripy Sock. 

Lead your own group visit! Self-guided visits enable educators to create their own tailored experience for their students. Be welcomed and introduced to the Gallery by one of our Visitor Experience Assistants before you explore the collection and temporary exhibitions.  
 
2B pencils and paper/activity sheets are welcome. We also have a variety of free learning resources to support your visit. 

The Order of Australia is our official awards system that has been recognising outstanding Australians for 50 years! To celebrate the anniversary, the Gallery is inviting school students from across the country to create a portrait of an incredible individual from their community.   

Activity outline: We will guide your students in creative activities and explore remarkable individuals from the National Portrait Gallery collection. Students will be invited to delve into the portraits of significant Australians – both past and present – through engaging discussions and drawing exercises. They will reflect on someone they believe deserves recognition for their contributions to the community. 

Post program: teachers may choose to submit student artworks for display in our online exhibition, My Awesome Australian, sharing the faces and stories of people from their community. All participants will be invited to the virtual launch to be hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia in term 3. 

Curriculum connections   

Learning areas: Humanities and Social Sciences | The Arts – Visual Arts

General capabilities:  Creative and Critical Thinking    

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures  

Materials: Please ensure each student has access to paper and pencils for the drawing activity. 

Join us for an engaging and interactive program tailored for upper primary students, where they’ll develop the confidence and critical thinking skills to interpret portraits. Through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions, your students will uncover the stories behind artworks, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of visual literacy, aligned with the Australian Curriculum.    

Activity Outline: Our visual art programs are curiosity-led to guide students on different ways to interpret portraits. Students will look at aspects of biography, identity and culture; portraits made with different styles and media; and learn through discussion, activity and drawing.  

Curriculum connections   

Learning areas: The Arts – Visual Arts  

General capabilities:  Creative and Critical Thinking  

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures  

Materials: Please ensure each student has access to paper and pencils. 

Join us for an interactive and engaging program designed to equip your students with the confidence and tools to explore and interpret portraits. Through hands-on activities and guided discussions, your class will develop skills to uncover the stories behind the artwork while sparking their creativity and curiosity!   

Activity Outline: Our visual art programs are curiosity-led to guide students on ways to interpret portraits. Students will look at aspects of biography, identity and culture; portraits made with different styles and media; and learn through discussion, activity and drawing.  

Curriculum connections  

Learning areas: The Arts – Visual Arts   

General capabilities:  Creative and Critical Thinking   

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures  

Materials: Please ensure each student has access to paper and pencils. 

Join us for an interactive, curriculum-aligned program that explores the lives and contributions of significant Australians. Designed to inspire and engage upper primary students, this program fosters an understanding of active citizenship, Australian identity, and the role of individuals in shaping our nation's past, present and future.   

Activity Outline:   

In these programs, we emphasise recognising individuals from diverse backgrounds and fields who have excelled and contributed to Australian society. Students will explore ways to examine the portraits of significant Australians – both past and present – through discussion and drawing.  

Curriculum connections   

Learning areas: Humanities and Social Sciences | The Arts – Visual Arts    

General capabilities:  Creative and Critical Thinking    

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures  

Materials: Please ensure each student has access to paper and pencils. 

From First Nations perspectives to the contribution of migrants, from the opening of Parliament to environmental protest, Australian history is full of fascinating stories – and we have the portraits to explore them.   

Activity Outline: This interactive session for upper primary students uses portraiture to provide opportunities for students to develop and deepen their understanding of Australian history. Evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives and empathy will be used as tools to investigate portraits in our collection within their historical context.    

Curriculum connections  

Learning areas: Humanities and Social Sciences | The Arts – Visual Arts    

General capabilities:  Creative and Critical Thinking    

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures  

Materials: Please ensure each student has access to paper and pencils. 

Through the lens of the Visual Arts curriculum, students will delve into portraits of and by First Nations people in the National Portrait Collection, celebrating their rich stories, cultures and perspectives. 

Activity Outline: This program identifies significant events and ideas in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, through key individuals who have shaped the political and cultural developments involved. Students will explore portraits via visual analysis, debate and pictorial representation; and discover how portraits can be used as historical documents.  

Curriculum connections  

Learning areas: The Arts – Visual Arts  

General capabilities:  Creative and Critical Thinking  

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures  

Materials: Please ensure each student has access to paper and pencils.