Viking Art Exploration

Overview

This 60-minute lesson engages Year 5 students in creating Viking-inspired artwork, combining historical understanding with creative expression. The lesson aligns with the Northern Ireland Curriculum for The Arts at Level 3/4, focusing on developing imaginative skills, exploring different materials, and appreciating cultural contexts.

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Curriculum Links

The Arts: Art and Design

• Learning Objective:
  Use a range of materials, processes, techniques, and technologies creatively and safely to produce imaginative artefacts. (Level 3/4)
  Develop skills and processes to express ideas and feelings through two- and three-dimensional work. (Level 3/4)
  Appreciate aesthetic qualities, heritage, and values in art and design from a range of cultures and times. (Level 3/4)

Cross-curricular elements:

• History and Cultural Understanding – linking with Vikings as historical and cultural topic.
• Thinking Skills and Personal Capability – developing planning, creativity, and reflective skills.

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Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Understand and identify key Viking artistic motifs and symbols.
• Use drawing and collage techniques to create a Viking-inspired shield design.
• Explain their artistic choices and how these relate to Viking culture.
• Work collaboratively and safely with art materials.

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Success Criteria

• Created a Viking-inspired shield design incorporating traditional motifs.
• Used layering and collage techniques effectively.
• Can describe how their design reflects Viking heritage and symbolism.
• Demonstrated safe use of tools and respect for peers during creative work.

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Resources

• A3 card or thick paper (one per pupil)
• Coloured paper in earthy tones, metallic colours (gold, silver) and black
• Glue sticks and safety scissors
• Pencils and erasers
• Examples/images of Viking shields and motifs (simple visual references to show patterns like interlacing, knots, dragons, runes)
• Whiteboard/flipchart for discussion and demonstration
• Aprons or protective coverings

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Explain the lesson focus: creating Viking shield art. Briefly discuss who Vikings were, emphasising their rich artistic traditions.
• Show images of Viking shields and typical motifs (interlacing patterns, runes, dragons, waves). Use questioning (e.g., What do you notice about these designs? What colours might Vikings have used?)
• Clarify that each pupil will design and make their own Viking shield using drawing and collage.

2. Demonstration (10 minutes)

• Demonstrate folding an A3 card into a shield shape (oval or round).
• Show how to draw simple Viking patterns freehand or using templates (optional).
• Demonstrate cutting and layering collage pieces for texture and design impact.
• Outline safety rules for scissors and glue use.

3. Main Activity: Creation (30 minutes)

• Pupils design their Viking shields on A3 card, combining drawing and glued collage elements.
• Encourage imaginative use of Viking motifs and colours, while suggesting they keep designs bold and simple to fit the timeframe.
• Circulate to assist, ask open questions ("How does your design show something about Viking life or beliefs?"), and support safe tool use.

4. Plenary / Reflection (10 minutes)

• Invite volunteers to show their shield designs and explain their choices.
• Ask questions: Why did you choose these patterns? How do you think Vikings used art to show who they were?
• Summarise how art helps us understand past cultures and express ourselves.
• Praise creativity and effort, reinforcing safe and respectful studio behaviour.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through questioning and observation during activities to gauge understanding of Viking art motifs and cultural links.
• Evaluate the final shield artwork for use of motif, creativity, and technique aligned to Level 3/4 standards.
• Assess pupils’ ability to verbalise their artistic choices, showing reflective and critical thinking.

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Differentiation

• Provide pre-cut collage shapes or stencils for pupils needing fine motor support.
• Challenge more able pupils to incorporate more complex patterns or symbolic runes into their design.
• Pair pupils for peer support during the cutting and gluing process.

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Health and Safety

• Emphasise careful handling of scissors.
• Ensure glue is non-toxic and used appropriately.
• Maintain tidy work area to prevent slips or damage.

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Extension Ideas (optional for homework or further lessons)

• Research a Viking saga or myth and illustrate a scene using similar art techniques.
• Create 3D Viking artefacts such as helmets with paper-mâché or clay.
• Explore Viking textile patterns and design a fabric print.

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This creative, culturally rich session provides pupils with a memorable hands-on experience that deepens their understanding of Viking heritage through the lens of art and design.