Onsite School Programs
Our school programs promote careful and thoughtful looking at original artworks,
emphasize learning through social interaction and critical thinking, and
encourage students to use their personal experience to interpret art.
All programs are aligned with grade-specific art curricula (K to 12).
To register, please fill out the online reservation form. If you required additional support, please contact us by email at [email protected], or call 613-990-4888.
2025-26 school programs will run from October 1, 2025 to June 26, 2026 (unless otherwise specified).
Program
Descriptions
Check out the programs we offer:
Discovery visits Tours Workshops Special exhibition toursRelaxed tours
Discovery visits
Thematic and engaging visits that activate young minds through close looking, inquiry and an art-making activity. Materials are included.
My First
Visit
Kindergarten Grades 1–3
A lively introduction to the Gallery’s collection. Through play-based learning activities, students engage with the museum and have the opportunity to develop their visual literacy skills.
45 - 60 minutes
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Express responses to visual art forms (e.g., paintings, fabrics, sculptures, illustrations) by making connections to personal experiences.
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Communicate ideas through the arts and exploring different elements of design (e.g., colour, line, shape, texture, form)
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Construct an understanding of the world by showing interest and curiosity concerning the visual arts (e.g. modelling, drawing, painting, sculpture) and exposure to a cultural environment.
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Develop emotional and social skills through by allowing extensive time for self-expression and personal opinion, while exposing young learners to the different elements of art.
How
It's Made
Grades 1–3 Grades 4–6
Students examine the creative processes of artists. They discuss tools, materials and the elements and principles of design to produce their own artwork inspired by Indigenous beadwork.
90 minutes
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Critically analyze the techniques and materials used to make a variety of art works from diverse cultures, times and places.
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Create works of art on a theme or topic, using a variety of materials, tools and techniques.
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Develop critical thinking and aesthetic sense through appreciation of works of art, traditional artistic objects, and media images from different artistic periods, places and cultures.
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Produce creative works using the appropriate gestures, materials, tools and elements of visual arts language (e.g., shape, line, texture).
Tours
(60 minutes)
Students will consider the diversity of works of art in the Gallery’s rich collection, participate in group discussions, and apply critical and creative thinking skills on thematic tours.
Enhance your students learning and extend their experience with a Guided Sketching Session in the galleries. Materials are included.
Art
Adventure
Grades 1–3 Grades 4–6
A dynamic introduction to the collection. Through guided discussions and hands-on activities, students consider 6 to 8 artworks and develop their visual literacy skills.
Choose the collections that will best suit your students’ interests and your objectives:
Canadian, Indigenous and Contemporary Galleries
European, American and Contemporary Galleries
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Consider the elements of art (line, shape, and colour) and the principles of design (contrast, rhythm, balance).
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Creatively examine a variety of art works from diverse cultures, times and places.
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Employ pertinent visual arts language (e.g., elements of art, spatial organization, gestures, materials) to communicate experience.
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Appreciate works of art, traditional artistic objects, and media images from different artistic periods, places and cultures.
Gallery Highlights
Grades 4–6 Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
An introduction to the building and several iconic works in the collection. Throughout the tour, students discuss the role of a museum and what defines great art.
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Investigate and apply a critical analysis to a variety of art forms, styles and traditions from diverse cultures, times and places.
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Use appropriate terminology to describe elements, principles and other components related to visual arts (e.g., techniques, materials, tools)
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Appreciate works of art from the world’s artistic heritage, including cultural objects, media images or productions from different periods, civilizations and cultures, as well as their sociocultural and historical contexts
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Apply visual arts language (e.g., elements of art, spatial organization, gestures, materials) to communicate visual arts experiences while exercising their critical and aesthetic response.
Highlights from the Indigenous and Canadian Collection
Grades 4–6 Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
An overview of highlights from this collection, featuring artworks from time immemorial to the present day. Students are introduced to the work of artists outside the Western canon.
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Investigate and apply a critical analysis to a variety of art forms, styles and traditions from diverse Canadian and Indigenous cultures, time periods and places as well as their sociocultural and historical contexts, while using appropriate terminology to describe elements, principles and other components related to visual arts (e.g., techniques, materials, tools).
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Analyze the historical perspective, significance and change and continuity in Canadian society while considering the perspectives of different Indigenous groups and communities.
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Encounter a variety of works and learn how these works contain sociocultural references indicative of the periods in which they were created. Students will identify thematic, material and visual language elements, comparing the visual arts productions and associating them with sociocultural references.
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Identify expressive or symbolic elements in images to construct and determine meaning and cultural relevance.
Indigenous Expressions
Grades 4–6 Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
An introduction to Indigenous artwork, fostering appreciation for First Nations, Métis and Inuit worldviews.
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Investigate and apply a critical analysis to a variety of art forms, styles and traditions from diverse Indigenous cultures, time periods and places as well as their sociocultural and historical contexts, while using appropriate terminology to describe elements, principles and other components related to visual arts (e.g., techniques, materials, tools).
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Analyze the historical perspective, significance and the change and continuity in Canadian society while considering the perspectives of different Indigenous groups and communities.
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Encounter a variety of works from Canada’s Indigenous artistic heritage and learn that these works contain sociocultural references indicative of the periods in which they were created.
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Observe and examine visual arts productions, identify thematic, material and visual language elements, compare these as they occur in different visual arts productions and associate them with sociocultural and historical references.
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Identify the expressive or symbolic elements in images to construct and determine meaning and cultural relevance for Indigenous peoples.
Signs and Symbols in Art
Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
The language of art can include a mysterious blend of signs and symbols. In this guided program, students decode and discuss the visual language artists use to communicate ideas.
From Modern to Contemporary Art
Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
What is contemporary art and its role? Students investigate ideas, materials, technology and new media in artworks from the early 20th century to today.
Special exhibition tours
(60 minutes)
Students will be introduced to inspiring exhibitions that stimulate curiosity and creativity. Most special exhibitions, arranged by the Gallery, feature original artworks temporarily borrowed from museums across the globe
Grades 1–3 Grades 4–6 Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
NEW - November 25, 2025 to March 20, 2026
Winter Count delves into the connections between art by Indigenous Peoples, Canadian settlers and Europeans, all of whom share a fascination with winter. In this guided program, students will explore winter-themed art by these groups and discover points of contact and difference in painting, photography, clothing and more.
Learn more about the exhibition Winter Count: Embracing the Cold
Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
NEW - January 6 to March 15, 2026
Discover the many ways photographers have captured the spirit and stories of city streets. During this tour, students will explore a selection of works by both Canadian and international artists from the late 1800s to today, who take the city as their subject.
Learn more about the exhibition Camera and the City
Grades 4–6 Grades 7–12 / Secondary I–V
Add an in-gallery sketching session to your guided tour to inspire your students’ creativity. They will learn drawing techniques and cultivate their observation skills with a preferred artwork . All materials are included.
This session is only offered to groups who have reserved a guided tour. The session takes place in the Gallery’s Collection.
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Investigate and apply a critical analysis to a variety of art forms, styles and traditions from diverse cultures, times and places, as well as their sociocultural and historical contexts.
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Use appropriate vocabulary to describe techniques, materials, and tools when creating and presenting visual art works.
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Incorporate various elements and principles of design to create art works that express personal feelings and/or communicate emotions to an audience.
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Appreciate works of art or artistic productions from the world’s artistic heritage, including cultural objects, media images or productions from different periods, civilizations and cultures so that they can then create a complete, complex and meaningful learning situation.
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Correctly use visual arts language (e.g., elements of art, spatial organization, gestures, materials) to communicate visual arts experiences
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Create personal images (i.e., drawing with pencil) using the appropriate materials, tools, methods and visual arts language in order to inform, persuade or entertain
Workshops
(180 minutes)
Workshops include a Gallery tour and hands-on artmaking session. 20 to 52 students plus chaperones (max. 58 participants). All materials included.
Workshops can be booked weekdays beginning October 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
Play with Clay
Grades 1–3 Grades 4–6
Through critical inquiry and hands-on activities, students examine sculptures to inspire their own clay creations. All materials included.
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Assess how the elements and the principles of design (e.g., shape, form, texture, and balance) are used in sculpture.
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Investigate and apply a critical analysis to a variety of three-dimensional art forms from diverse cultures, times and places and the techniques and materials used to make them
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Create a three-dimensional art work on a theme or topic using a variety of materials, tools and techniques.
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Develop critical thinking and aesthetic sense through appreciation of works of art, traditional artistic objects, and media images from different artistic periods, places and cultures.
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Produce of creative works from memory, observation and imagination and the account of various viewers, using the appropriate gestures, materials, tools and elements of visual arts language
Printmaking Stories
Grades 1–3 Grades 4–6
Students take inspiration from the Gallery’s Inuit prints and are guided through the printmaking process. All materials included.
ONTARIO curriculum links
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Investigate and apply a critical analysis to a variety of art forms, styles and traditions from diverse cultures, times and places, and the techniques and materials used to make them.
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Create a narrative art work on a theme or topic, using elements, principles, and techniques of visual arts.
QUEBEC curriculum links
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Develop critical thinking and aesthetic sense through an appreciation of works of art, traditional artistic objects, and media images from different artistic periods, places and cultures (including those of Indigenous peoples).
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Produce a creative work from memory, observation, imagination, and the accounts of various viewers, using the appropriate gestures, materials, tools and elements of visual arts language.
Relaxed tours
(60 minutes)
These interactive and multi-sensory tours are intended for groups with additional needs. The tour design focuses on creating a learning environment that is open and accessible to all students, regardless of age, skills, or situation to look at and engage with a variety of artworks.
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Group Size: Up to 10 students plus assistants as needed
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Cost: free
The Sense of Art
Elementary Secondary
This tour introduces and familiarizes students to the Gallery’s remarkable building and collection. Students focus on a handful of artworks that engage their sense of sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch and imagination. Our flexible guides adjust the tour to meet the different needs of each student.
Big Art
Elementary Secondary
This tour introduces students to oversized artworks that immerse us, invade our space, or stretch our visual boundaries. Students will discuss and experience a variety of large-scale works of art. Our flexible guides adjust the tour to meet the different needs of each student.
ONTARIO curriculum links
Special Education in Ontario Kindergarten to Grade 12 – 2017
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
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An approach that focuses on creating a learning environment that is open and accessible to all students, regardless of age, skills, or situation. Instruction based on principles of universal design is flexible and supportive, can be adjusted to meet different student needs, and enables all students to access the curriculum as fully as possible.
QUEBEC curriculum links
Competency-Based Approach to Social Participation (CASP)
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The CASP Education Program aims to customize the learning experience of students who have moderate to severe intellectual disabilities according to their needs and abilities. Specifically, the program helps prepare each student for a smooth integration at school, in society and perhaps eventually in the workplace. In time, students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities will be able to play a meaningful and valued role in society, in accordance with their capabilities.