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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can design a mural for a community space.

      Key learning points

      1. Art is often used as a tool to build emotional support, reduce isolation and foster connections.
      2. Art helps to develop community by providing a welcoming environment.
      3. Community murals can be used to bring diverse families together, celebrate cultures and strengthen social bonds.

      Keywords

      • Community - a group of people living, working or socialising in the same places

      • Environment - the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal or plant lives

      • Mural - a painting or other work of art made directly onto a wall

      Common misconception

      A common misconception about murals is that they are only decorative.

      They often carry powerful social, cultural, or political messages.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage students to explore the history and cultural significance of murals from different times and places. This will help them to see murals as powerful storytelling tools, not just decoration.

      Equipment

      Paper, pencil, ruler, dry or wet media of choice.

      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.
      Is it normal to have mixed or complicated feelings about family?

      No, you should always feel close to your family.
      No, it's best not to talk about those feelings.
      Correct answer: Yes, families can be complex and it's okay to have different feelings.

      Q2.
      What does the word connection mean in a relationship?

      Correct answer: A link or bond between people or things
      A place where people gather
      A job someone does for another person

      Q3.
      What does family mean?

      Friends you only see once in a while.
      Correct answer: A group of people connected by love, support, or shared history.
      People related by blood only.

      Q4.
      How can a family portrait show a positive connection?

      By only including one family member in the picture
      By using dark colours and the family members spaced out.
      Correct answer: By positioning the figures near to each other or overlapping.

      Q5.
      Does a family portrait have to be realistic?

      Correct answer: No, it can be abstract or use different styles to show feelings
      Yes, it must look exactly like the people
      Yes because otherwise the viewer wouldn't recognise anyone in the painting

      Q6.
      Which colour could express an argumentative relationship?

      Green as it's a calming colour
      Yellow which is a joyful colour
      Correct answer: Red which is often used to express anger

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What is an online community?

      Correct answer: A group of people who connect and share ideas or interests on the internet
      A group of people who live on the same trainline
      A group of people of the same age

      Q2.
      What is meant by community?

      A place where only animals live
      Correct answer: A group of people sharing common interests or goals
      A single person living alone

      Q3.
      How can art help build community cohesion?

      Correct answer: By encouraging people to work together and share ideas
      By isolating individuals from each other
      By creating competition between community members

      Q4.
      What is a common misconception about murals?

      Murals can tell stories or express community values
      Murals are created to inspire or provoke thought
      Correct answer: Murals are only decorative and have no deeper meaning

      Q5.
      Are murals a modern art form?

      Correct answer: No, murals have existed for thousands of years
      Yes, murals were invented only in the 21st century
      Yes, murals are only found in urban areas today

      To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Building community, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...