Creative Learning for Schools and Groups

The Sidney Nolan Trust provides unique creative learning experiences. These experiences are inspired by Sidney Nolan’s lifelong experimentation, the largest collection of his art in the world and his former home and estate, The Rodd.

All our learning experiences are led by artists and creative learning staff who use this incredible history, resource and setting to inspire learners and support them in developing critical thinking and making skills. All our learning sessions are aligned with the curriculum.

Below you will find details of our different learning options, information about booking and a downloadable pack containing all the information your group will need for a visit.

Session Options

Ned Kelly was an Australian bush ranger and became the protagonist in Sidney Nolan’s most famous paintings. In these first two workshop options, students use this iconic body of work to develop their understanding of modern art and as a platform for creating new artwork.

Kelly in The Bush: Costume, performance and photography
Suitable for: Key Stages 1 - 3
Cost: £8 per pupil (Minimum group size 20)
Timings: Flexible to suit travel.
When: We offer learning visits on weekdays during the School Summer Term (between the Easter and Summer holidays) and the first half of the Autumn term.
2024 Dates: Monday 8 April - Friday 19 July & Monday 2 September - Friday 2 October.

During this workshop, pupils will spend time looking at and responding to Nolan’s Ned Kelly series. Working collaboratively, they will bring the paintings to life using multimedia materials to create costumes, sets and characters. The groups will take their interpretations into the landscape here at The Rodd to film and photograph their creations. The day will culminate in a viewing of the pupil’s work which we will use to discuss and reflect as a class.

Artist, Rebel, Landscape: Observation and Narrative
Suitable for: Key Stages 1 - 3
Cost: £8 per pupil (Minimum group size 20)
Timings: Flexible to suit travel.
When: We offer learning visits on weekdays during the School Summer Term (between the Easter and Summer holidays) and the first half of the Autumn term.
2024 Dates: Monday 8 April - Friday 19 July & Monday 2 September - Friday 2 October.

This workshop will start with looking at, responding to, and analysing the Ned Kelly series of paintings as a class group. The focus will be on the landscape element of the work. Learners will then work observationally in the gardens and surrounding landscape here at The Rodd, using a variety of materials. The second half of the day will be spent looking at the narrative feature of the series, involving creative thinking and writing, painting and drawing. The day will finish with a group discussion where pupils can share their work and respond to the work of their peers.

Paradise Garden: Expressive painting and music

Suitable for: Key Stages 1 - 3
Cost: £8 per pupil (Minimum group size 20)
Timings: Flexible to suit travel.
When: We offer learning visits on weekdays during the School Summer Term (between the Easter and Summer holidays) and the first half of the Autumn term.
2024 Dates: Monday 8 April - Friday 19 July & Monday 2 September - Friday 2 October.

This workshop focuses on Paradise Garden, an ambitious artwork made by Nolan in 1969. The artwork consists of 1,320 individual floral designs that were created using crayons and dyes. This series of works was inspired by the work of British composer Benjamin Britten, by Nolan’s own London garden and by the dessert plants of his native Australia.

Students will work individually and collaboratively to explore Nolan’s expressive painting style and signature use of mixed materials. Together we will explore the intersection of art and music and consider how music might influence an artist's mood, use of colour, and technique. Students will have created individual and collaborative works by the end of the session.

Forest School

Suitable for: Key Stages 1 - 3
Cost: £8 per pupil (Minimum group size 20)
Timings: Flexible to suit travel.
When: We offer Forest School sessions year round. (Only in the case of extreme weather will we be unable to run the session and will work with you to reorganise your visit)

The gardens and landscape here at The Rodd were cherished by Sidney and Mary Nolan. It was their wish that they continue to be used to inspire and cultivate creativity.

We have recently developed a Forest School programme for young people that encourages freedom, confidence and creativity outside of the classroom. The sessions provide a chance for children to explore, make, play and learn in the beautiful environment here at The Rodd.

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