New
New
Art as self-discovery
I can reflect on my identity and choose imagery to create an assemblage.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Art as self-discovery
I can reflect on my identity and choose imagery to create an assemblage.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Art can be used as a tool for expressing inner emotions and identity.
- Assemblage is art that is made by assembling separate elements, often everyday objects, together.
- Identity can be explored through art forms such as assemblage.
Keywords
Identity - the characteristics that determine who someone is
Culture - the ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular people or society
Assemblage - a three-dimensional artistic technique where objects are combined to create a unique artwork.
Common misconception
Memories cannot be used to express a person's identity
Memories play a key role in shaping who we are as they help us understand our past, influence how we view ourselves and guide how we express our identity over time.
Greater contextual information on the artists' work can be found in the additional materials. Encourage pupils to explore art as a way to understand and share their identity. Creating a safe, supportive space will help pupils to feel confident to express who they are.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Boxes, jar lids, glue, paint, paintbrushes, collage materials, magazines, newspapers, tape.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is symbolism in art?
What is symbolism in art?
Drawing with black and white only
Using colours to match an object
Q2.Which of these is an example of symbolism in art?
Which of these is an example of symbolism in art?
Drawing a tree with detailed leaves
Sketching a face with perfect proportions
Q3.What does it mean to say that art is a visual language?
What does it mean to say that art is a visual language?
It uses spoken words to tell a story
It teaches people how to write about art
Q4.How can doodling help with expressing emotions?
How can doodling help with expressing emotions?
It relieves boredom
It’s only for decoration
Q5.How might your body react to emotion?
How might your body react to emotion?
Your eyes change colour
Q6.Can doodles be developed into 3D structures?
Can doodles be developed into 3D structures?
No, doodles can only be drawings on a 2D surface such as paper
No, doodles are just fun scribbles on paper or in a sketchbook
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which of the following can be part of our identity?
Which of the following can be part of our identity?
weather
Q2.What does identity mean?
What does identity mean?
What your neighbours look like
What job is financially rewarding
Q3.How does art serve as a tool to express inner emotions and identity?
How does art serve as a tool to express inner emotions and identity?
Art is mainly used for decoration and does not convey personal meaning.
Art can only express happiness and not emotions like anger.
Q4.Can memories be used to express your identity?
Can memories be used to express your identity?
No, memories are irrelevant to identity.
Yes, but only to express our past, not our current identity.
Q5.What is three-dimensional artwork?
What is three-dimensional artwork?
Artwork that is only drawn or painted on a flat surface.
Art that only uses digital tools and screens.
