Year 5 Art and Design

An introduction to the mathematical foundations of one-point perspective in urban environments, focusing on horizon lines and vanishing points.

Students practice drawing simple architectural forms using one-point perspective, focusing on lines converging to a single vanishing point.

Students explore how buildings look from various viewpoints, focusing on how lines appear to change and converge to create a sense of depth without formal two-point perspective.

Examining different textures found in local buildings (e.g., brick, stone, glass) through charcoal and graphite studies, focusing on how light and shadow reveal these textures.

Working in groups to create a large-scale mural of a futuristic city using mixed media and recycled materials.

Students learn basic sketching techniques for buildings, focusing on quick observation and capturing essential forms and details.

Students practice drawing objects using continuous contour lines, focusing on observation without lifting the pencil.

Exploring different shading techniques (hatching, cross-hatching, stippling) to create value and represent three-dimensional form.

Arranging and drawing still life compositions, focusing on spatial relationships, negative space, and composition.

Investigating how different cultures use geometric and organic patterns in cloth to tell stories and convey meaning.

Students learn fundamental weaving techniques using simple looms and various yarns to create textured fabric samples.

Using found objects and plastic waste to create contemporary woven structures, exploring sustainability in art.

Learning basic stitch techniques like running stitch, backstitch, and chain stitch to add detail and line to fabric surfaces.

Students apply embroidery techniques to create small fabric artworks that express personal stories or emotions.

Exploring how artists use different colours, not just realistic ones, to express emotions and feelings in portraits, focusing on how colour choices impact mood.

Developing technical accuracy in placing facial features using mapping techniques and understanding basic anatomical proportions.

Students create self-portraits focusing on conveying emotion through exaggerated features, color, and line quality.

Creating a 3D mixed media portrait that incorporates personal objects and symbols to represent one's identity.

Comparing the structures found in nature with human-made objects through clay modeling and observational drawing.

Students learn fundamental clay hand-building methods such as pinch, coil, and slab to create simple organic forms.

Using wire and foil to create human or animal figures, focusing on how different poses and shapes can suggest movement, emotion, or character.

Students learn to construct basic armatures using wire and other materials to support more complex sculptural forms.

Designing temporary outdoor sculptures inspired by Andy Goldsworthy using natural found materials.

Exploring how artists use colours, shapes, and lines to create abstract paintings that express feelings or ideas without showing recognisable objects.

Investigating the psychological effects of warm and cool colors and applying them to create different moods in paintings.

Experimenting with different brush types and strokes to create varied textures and expressive marks in acrylic or tempera paint.

Investigating how the style of lettering (font, size, weight) conveys meaning and tone of voice in graphic design.

Students learn about basic principles of layout, including balance, contrast, and hierarchy, in creating effective visual communication.

Simplifying complex ideas into clear, memorable symbols and icons through drawing and cutting, focusing on how simple shapes can communicate messages effectively.

Creating a poster using digital tools or collage to advocate for a social or environmental cause, focusing on persuasive visuals.

Students create unique prints using monoprinting techniques with ink and various textures, focusing on spontaneous design.

Introduction to linocut printmaking, learning safe carving techniques and creating simple relief prints.

Exploring methods for creating multi-color prints, either through reduction printing or using multiple blocks.

Learning about the Dreamtime stories and the use of symbols in Indigenous Australian dot painting to map land and history.

Using compasses and rulers to create intricate geometric patterns found in Islamic architecture and manuscript illumination.

Exploring Japanese art, focusing on how artists depict landscapes and nature using simple lines, bold colours, and interesting compositions, inspired by traditional Japanese prints.

Investigating the cultural significance and artistic characteristics of traditional African masks, and designing personal masks.

Students select their best work from the year to organize and curate a final exhibition for the school community.

Students learn basic art criticism vocabulary and frameworks to analyze and discuss artworks, focusing on description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment.

Students explore the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, focusing on his expressive use of color and brushwork, and create a piece inspired by his style.