Set the scene: collage, figure and symbol
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can build a layered visual scene that includes a figure and objects, using drawing and collage to express myself and tell a story.
Key learning points
- Arranging objects in art (mise en scène) can build settings that carry memory and meaning.
- Figures in art express emotion, power, and symbolism through posture and placement.
- 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.
Teacher tip
When pupils are arranging figures or objects, encourage them to explain the story behind their choices.
Equipment
A3 paper (landscape), glue stick, scissors, magazines, newspapers, scrap paper, carbon paper, pencil, coloured pencils and felt tips.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Art can be used to share opinions or stand up for what matters.
Q2.A symbol is a shape or image that stands for an or meaning.
Q3.What is a placard?
Q4.Pop Art used simple shapes and dull colours to make art calm.
Q5.Corita Kent expressed ...
Q6.Put the printing steps in order:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The term mise en scène means “setting the scene”.
Q2.A figure is __________ or human shape shown in an artwork.
Q3.What does posture mean in art?
Q4.A background or setting doesn’t change the story in a picture.
Q5.Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga uses __________ and spaces to tell stories about history and home.
Q6.Put the art-making steps in order:
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Art for change: visual voices unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.