Schools

School groups are welcome to Duff House and we hope that the information contained in these pages is helpful. Your visiting Art Teacher may be able to help you plan a visit and Teachers may also wish to refer to the Teachers page. Unfortunately we do not have an Education Officer in post but we are keen to make your visit memorable. Meanwhile if you would like to discuss any aspect of your visit further then please call us on 01261 818181.

At the moment we offer two schools activities for primary levels 5/6. The activity themes are Victorian Life and the Second World War. Further information on the 2011/12 schools programme is available by contacting the Education Unit at Historic Scotland or searching online for Duff House.

Since Duff House contains such precious art works we do ask schools to ensure sure that the emphasis during their visit is on looking, and not touching. The main aim is to introduce children to being in a gallery space, and to learn to look carefully at exhibits or evidence. Drama activities, discussion and written work are most effective on Gallery floors in front of paintings. We suggest children are well prepared beforehand on how to behave and that this is approached positively as an introduction to ideas of conservation and why we preserve things. Interaction or engagement with the collections is of course important and must come via other means. We do have a Handling Box on the theme of Victorian Life and servants for this and if you would like to reserve this please contact us. There is no charge.

Duff House also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Why not take a look at our programme of events and exhibitions when planning to visit? Exhibition visits are more focussed; usually on a particular artist or theme. You may wish to tour the house in the morning and visit the exhibition in the afternoon. We also support contemporary art, keeping in mind that all art in the house was new once. Such exhibitions are often very engaging for children who are surprisingly open to conceptual or abstract art, particularly when they are stimulated by discussion and related activities.

The Long Gallery on the third floor is available to school groups for teaching or activities but it must be booked in advance.  If you would like to discuss any aspect of your visit further then please contact us.