New
New
Year 5

Design a mask using sources

I can use a range of sources as inspiration to design a unique mask.

New
New
Year 5

Design a mask using sources

I can use a range of sources as inspiration to design a unique mask.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Masks have cultural, historical and functional significance, often used in rituals, performances, or protection.
  2. Sources, such as cultural artifacts or historical examples, can inspire creative designs.
  3. A good design process involves observing, experimenting and refining ideas.
  4. Labeling a design helps communicate ideas effectively.

Keywords

  • Inspiration - the process of being mentally stimulated by something to create new ideas

  • Pattern - a design in which lines, shapes, forms or colours are repeated

  • Symbol - a mark or character used to represent an idea, object, or relationship

  • Texture - the way something feels or looks like it feels (e.g. smooth, rough)

  • Cultural source - a piece of art, artefact, or tradition from a specific culture that provides ideas

Common misconception

Sources should be copied from exactly to create a good design.

Sources are for inspiration, not replication. Great designs mix ideas from multiple sources and add personal creativity.


To help you plan your year 5 art and design lesson on: Design a mask using sources, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage students to explain their choices when designing. Ask guiding questions like, "Why did you choose this shape or pattern?" This deepens understanding and connects their designs to the sources. Model how to mix ideas from multiple sources for a creative outcome.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Visual examples of masks. Sketching paper and pencils. Coloured pencils or markers. Books or digital resources on cultural masks. Design templates (optional, for support).

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a mask?
Correct answer: A covering for all or part of the face
A mark or character used to represent an idea
A visual tool to gather images
Q2.
People wear masks at ceremonies for __________ .
Halloween
decorative purposes
Correct answer: cultural or traditional reasons
Q3.
Different cultures use certain materials, designs and __________ in their mask designs
words
Correct answer: symbols
smells
Q4.
An effective mood board groups ideas together.
Correct Answer: similar, related, useful
Q5.
Masks can be worn by ...
only party goers
Correct answer: anybody
only religious people
Q6.
A __________ is a visual tool that gathers images, materials and ideas for inspiration.
social media account
Correct answer: mood board
voice recording

4 Questions

Q1.
True or False? All masks are used for disguise.
True
Correct answer: False
Q2.
What should you consider when selecting mask images for a mood board?
scientific data
mathematical formulas
Correct answer: colours, shapes, symbols
Q3.
Match the keywords to the definition
Correct Answer:mask,a covering for the face, used for disguise, protection, or performance

a covering for the face, used for disguise, protection, or performance

Correct Answer:culture,ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular people or society

ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular people or society

Correct Answer:symbol,marks or character used to represent and idea, object, or relationship

marks or character used to represent and idea, object, or relationship

Correct Answer:mood board,a visual tool that gathers images, materials and ideas for inspiration

a visual tool that gathers images, materials and ideas for inspiration

Q4.
Order the steps of how to create a design for a mask.
1 - Gather ideas and materials for inspiration
2 - Draw basic shapes
3 - Create the mask shape
4 - Decorate the mask by adding colours and patterns