Exploring Journeys

Lesson Overview

Theme: Journeys
Class: Year 9
Subject Area: Art and Design – aligned with the KS3 UK National Curriculum
Level: Key Stage 3
Duration: 60 minutes
Focus: Collage and Mixed Media Techniques

This lesson introduces students to the new theme of "Journeys" through creating a visually stimulating title page that will anchor their exploration of the topic. The emphasis will be on using collage and mixed media to conceptualise the idea of journeys, drawing from personal experiences, imagination, and visual storytelling.

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Curriculum Alignment

KS3 Art and Design Objectives:

• To develop students’ creativity and ideas and increase proficiency in handling different materials.
• To deepen an understanding of visual concepts such as composition, layering, texture, and balance.
• To demonstrate imaginative thinking in approaching a theme.
• To use sketchbooks to explore ideas, techniques, and annotate creative progress.

This lesson enhances transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative expression.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand the concept of "Journeys" as a broad, creative theme.
2. Experiment with and apply collage and mixed media to express abstract and literal ideas visually.
3. Combine representational and symbolic imagery as part of the composition.
4. Demonstrate strong composition, layering, and texture.
5. Begin their exploration of "Journeys" with a personalised, creative title page.

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Resources and Materials

Provided by the teacher:

• Magazines, newspapers, and scrap paper for collaging
• Acrylic paints, watercolours, oil pastels, and coloured pencils
• Glue sticks, PVA glue, and masking tape
• Scissors and cutting tools
• Black fineliners and white gel pens for detailing

Required from students (optional):

• Printouts/pictures from home related to personal connections with "journeys" (e.g., maps, tickets, travel photos)

Optional Enhancements:

• String, fabric scraps, or textured materials for layering
• Stencils or stamps for additional detailing

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Lesson Breakdown

Starter (0-10 mins): Concept Warm-Up

1. Introduction (4 mins):

   • Briefly explore the concept of "Journeys" (both literal and metaphorical).
   • Lead a class discussion:
     • What does "journey" mean to you?
     • Can journeys be personal? Emotional? Physical? Historical?
   • Use visual prompts such as maps, travel photos, or abstract shapes as inspiration.

2. Objective Highlight (2 mins):

   • Explain that students will create a title page for their project theme using COLLAGE and MIXED MEDIA.
   • Emphasise combining layers, textures, and personal connections.

3. Quick Warm-Up Task (4 mins):

   • Students sketch or jot down 3-5 key words/pictures representing "journeys" (e.g., planes, footsteps, memories, roads, etc.). These will act as their creative base.

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Main Activity (10-50 mins)

Step 1: Base Layer (10 mins)

• Each student creates a "base layer" on A3 or A4 paper.
• Encourage them to:
  • Use magazine clippings, newspaper fragments, or maps as the foundation.
  • Experiment with overlapping textures and materials to create depth.

Step 2: Mid-Layers (15 mins)

• Students enhance their base layers by:
  • Adding symbols or text (e.g., handwritten titles, printed words, coordinates, or road signs).
  • Using paint, pastel, or coloured pencils to blend or accentuate areas.
  • Deliberately leaving some layers transparent or partially peeled for intrigue.

Step 3: Top Details (15 mins)

• Students add final, defined elements to bring cohesion to their composition:
  • Use black and white fine pens for doodling or mark-making.
  • Integrate any personal elements they brought (e.g., family photos, train tickets, etc.).
  • Sketch or collage a bold, graphic title: "JOURNEYS".

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Plenary (50-60 mins): Reflect and Share

1. Reflection Activity (5 mins):

   • Students present their title page in pairs or small groups. Each student explains:
     • What choices they made and why.
     • How the layers and textures represent their interpretation of “journeys”.

2. Class Feedback (5 mins):

   • Allow time for peers to provide two stars and a wish (two positive aspects and one suggestion for improvement).
   • Remind students to annotate their work in their sketchbooks with key artistic choices they’ve made.

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Extension Task

For faster finishers:

• Create a small "sample collage" exploring a specific journey or place they’ve experienced.
• Experiment with different techniques (e.g., all-text collage, monochrome scheme, or focusing on just textures).

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Lesson Differentiation

Support:

• Provide pre-cut materials or templates for students who may become overwhelmed by open-ended tasks.
• Offer examples of layered media to inspire.

Challenge:

• Push confident students to thoughtfully incorporate symbolism or abstract ideas in their work (e.g., emotional journeys using warm and cool colours).
• Encourage complex layering, such as cutting through existing layers to reveal hidden elements.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment during the lesson: Observe how students use materials and experiment with composition.
• Reflection and verbal feedback during the plenary: Gauge their understanding of the theme and their creative thinking.

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Teacher Reflection

• How confidently did students experiment with mixed media?
• Were there moments of hesitation or creativity that stood out?
• What additional resources or refinements could enhance the next lesson on "Journeys"?