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Lesson 8 of 9
  • Year 10

Layout and composition

I can create a clear and effective layout using composition principles to communicate ideas in a graphic design.

Lesson 8 of 9
New
New
  • Year 10

Layout and composition

I can create a clear and effective layout using composition principles to communicate ideas in a graphic design.

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

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

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Layout and composition help to create effective, engaging and visually appealing designs.
  2. A well-structured layout helps guide the viewer’s eye through the design, making it easier to understand information.
  3. Considered composition ensures a pleasing arrangement of elements, enhancing the overall attractiveness of the design.

Keywords

  • Layout - the arrangement of visual elements on a page or design to guide the viewer’s eye and convey information effectively

  • Composition - the way elements such as images, text, and shapes are combined and placed within a design

  • Hierarchy - the visual order of elements, guiding viewers from the most important to least important using size, placement, or colour

  • Balance - the visual distribution of elements in a design to create harmony (can be symmetrical or asymmetrical)

  • Proximity - the grouping of related elements close together to create a visual connection

Common misconception

A more crowded layout makes the design look more informative or detailed.

More elements can overwhelm the viewer. Effective use of empty space and a clear hierarchy can increase impact and readability.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: Layout and composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Model the principles live using a shared screen or printed example - move elements around and ask students how each change affects clarity, balance and focus. This helps to deconstruct abstract ideas by making them visual and concrete.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Sketchbooks or plain paper. Scissors, glue sticks (for physical layout rearrangement) or access to digital tools and image editing software.

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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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a layout in graphic design?

The size of the artwork
The colour scheme used
Correct answer: The arrangement of visual elements on a page
The number of words used

Q2.
Which of these is an example of good composition?

Random placement of text
Correct answer: Balanced and organised elements
Using the most colours possible
Filling all available space

Q3.
Why might a designer group related items close together?

To save space
To confuse the viewer
To make it look fuller
Correct answer: To help the viewer understand the connection

Q4.
What do we mean by visual hierarchy?

Correct answer: The way we show importance through size and placement
The time it takes to make a design
The order of images in a slideshow
The colour order in a design

Q5.
Which tool helps with alignment in a digital layout?

Text editor
Correct answer: Grid or ruler lines
Colour filters
Zoom tool

Q6.
Which of these is not a graphic design principle related to layout?

Balance
Proximity
Correct answer: Texture
Alignment

Additional material

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