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Lesson 3 of 4
  • Year 5

Set the scene: collage, figure and symbol

I can build a layered visual scene that includes a figure and objects, using drawing and collage to express myself and tell a story.

Lesson 3 of 4
New
New
  • Year 5

Set the scene: collage, figure and symbol

I can build a layered visual scene that includes a figure and objects, using drawing and collage to express myself and tell a story.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Arranging objects in art (mise en scène) can build settings that carry memory and meaning.
  2. Figures in art express emotion, power, and symbolism through posture and placement.
  3. Collage, line, colour, and techniques like carbon/paper transfer can be combined to create scenes and stories.

Keywords

  • Mise en scène - a French term meaning “setting the scene”; how objects, figures, and spaces are arranged to create meaning

  • Figure - a person or human shape shown in an artwork

  • Posture - the way a figure stands, sits, or holds their body, showing feelings or attitudes

  • Carbon paper / transfer - a way of copying a drawing by pressing through onto another surface

Common misconception

Identity means one thing about you.

Identity is made of many parts - culture, hobbies, family, beliefs - and a collage can mix images to show all those layers of who you are.


To help you plan your year 5 art and design lesson on: Set the scene: collage, figure and symbol, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When pupils are arranging figures or objects, encourage them to explain the story behind their choices.
Teacher tip

Equipment

A3 paper (landscape), glue stick, scissors, magazines, newspapers, scrap paper, carbon paper, pencil, coloured pencils and felt tips.

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Art can be used to share opinions or stand up for what matters.

Correct answer: true
sometimes true
false

Q2.
A symbol is a shape or image that stands for an or meaning.

Correct Answer: idea, message

Q3.
What is a placard?

a small painting
a sculpture made from clay
Correct answer: a large sign used in a protest
a drawing of a building

Q4.
Pop Art used simple shapes and dull colours to make art calm.

true
sometimes true
Correct answer: false

Q5.
Corita Kent expressed ...

change and fairness
Correct answer: peace and kindness
collaboration and kindness

Q6.
Put the printing steps in order:

1 - cut shapes or letters
2 - add paint with sponge
3 - peel off shapes to reveal your print

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
The term mise en scène means “setting the scene”.

Correct answer: true
sometimes true
false

Q2.
A figure is __________ or human shape shown in an artwork.

an object
Correct answer: a person
a shadow

Q3.
What does posture mean in art?

the materials or surfaces used
Correct answer: the way a figure stands or moves
the background of the scene
the colour or tone of the paint

Q4.
A background or setting doesn’t change the story in a picture.

true
sometimes true
Correct answer: false

Q5.
Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga uses __________ and spaces to tell stories about history and home.

figurines
Correct answer: figures
fixers

Q6.
Put the art-making steps in order:

1 - cut shapes and textures to create your setting
2 - add a figure using carbon paper
3 - fill the figure with colour or texture