Art History Journey

Year Level

Year 9

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

20 students

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Learning Objectives

Aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum for The Arts, Visual Arts strand (Years 9–10), this lesson aims to:

• Develop students’ understanding of art history as a creative and cultural practice that connects past and present societies, including Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world.
• Explore how historical, social, cultural, and political contexts influence artworks, with emphasis on diverse global and local (Toi Māori and Pacific) traditions.
• Encourage critical thinking by analysing artworks and recognizing the role of artists as storytellers and communicators.
• Foster key competencies: Thinking, Using Language, Symbols and Texts, and Relating to Others.

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Curriculum References

Strands and Sub-strands: Visual Arts

• Explore and communicate ideas through visual forms
• Understand creative processes and visual conventions
• Express ideas with intention
• Respond to artistic choices of others

Key Competencies:

• Thinking
• Using language, symbols, and texts
• Relating to others

Critical Focus for Years 9-10:

• Having a purpose and being empathetic and resilient
• Deepening understanding of the historical, cultural, and social role of the arts

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Lesson Overview

Time (minutes)	Activity
10	Introduction: What is Art History? Brief class discussion and definition
15	Interactive Timeline Activity: Major art movements globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand, including Toi Māori
15	Group Investigation: Analyse images of selected artworks representing different cultures and periods
15	Creative Reflection: Students sketch a symbol or image inspired by one art movement or cultural artwork and write a sentence about its significance
5	Wrap-up and Reflection: Class sharing and summary of learning points

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Detailed Lesson Plan

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Start with a question: "What do you think art history is and why do we study it?"
• Define Art History as the study of visual arts within context — exploring how artists express ideas, emotions, culture, and history.
• Emphasise the connection between past and present and the importance of local perspectives including Māori and Pacific art traditions.
• Link to New Zealand’s bicultural context and global art influences.

2. Interactive Timeline Activity (15 minutes)

• Provide students with a printed or digital timeline that shows key global art movements (e.g., Renaissance, Impressionism, Modernism) alongside significant movements in Aotearoa New Zealand (Māori carving, weaving, Pacific tapa).
• Discuss how historical events and cultural changes influenced these styles.
• Encourage students to ask questions and make connections between movements.

3. Group Artwork Analysis (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into 4 groups. Each group receives 3 images:
• A Toi Māori carving or painting
• A European historical art example (e.g., Renaissance painting)
• A Pacific Island tapa or weaving
• Each group analyses their images using guided questions:
• What story or message is the artwork conveying?
• What materials and techniques were used?
• How does the artwork reflect its cultural and historical context?
• Groups briefly share insights with the class.

4. Creative Reflection (15 minutes)

• Distribute art materials (paper, pencils, colour pencils).
• Students create a simple sketch or symbol inspired by one of the art styles or movements discussed.
• Accompany their artwork with a sentence explaining its significance or what they learnt about that style/culture.
• This encourages personal artistic expression linked to historical understanding.

5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite a few students to share their sketches and explanations.
• Summarise the key learnings:
• Art history is more than old pictures; it is how we understand and connect with our world and identity.
• Artworks reflect society’s values, stories, and innovations across time and cultures.
• Highlight the importance of empathy, purpose, and cultural respect in understanding art.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of group discussions.
• Assessment of creative reflection for understanding and personal connection to art history concepts.
• Use questioning to check comprehension and ability to connect historical context to artwork meaning.

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Resources Needed

• Timeline posters or digital projection
• Printed artwork images (Māori, Pacific, European historical art)
• Drawing materials (pencils, paper, colours)
• Worksheet with guided analysis questions

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Teaching Strategies to Impress

• Use culturally relevant content (Toi Māori and Pacific arts alongside global history) to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences.
• Blend visual learning with hands-on creative activities for kinaesthetic engagement.
• Facilitate critical discussion that connects learning to empathy and purpose, key Year 9 competencies.
• Scaffold new vocabulary and concepts explicitly, respecting diverse learner needs.
• Incorporate small group work and whole class sharing to support peer learning and communication skills.

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This lesson plan offers a dynamic, contextually rich approach to introducing year 9 students to art history aligned closely with the New Zealand Curriculum's vision, principles, and strands, enabling teachers to inspire curiosity about art as an evolving global and local conversation.