National Portrait Gallery

On Thursday 6 March, a select few Year 9s travelled to the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Students learnt how immigrants enriched British culture, society and history. Guided by an ambassador of the gallery, students eagerly partook in discussions and were grateful for the opportunity to learn about the experiences of migrants coming to Britain.

Pupils exhibited respectful behaviour when investigating and exploring the lives of foreigners and their impacts on British customs. Examples of the people they learnt about are: Maharaja Sir Duleep Singh (who owned the Koh ‘I’ Noor – the jewel on the royal crown), Sarah Forbes Bonetta (goddaughter and ward of Queen Victoria) and John Blanke (a royal trumpeter of Henry VIII). Given the opportunity to observe and contemplate, students were thoroughly engaged with the task at hand: writing about the silent story these portraits told. We thank the team who dedicated their time to ensuring TFA had a memorable time at the gallery. Thank you for this valuable experience!

Alishba A and Sara H