Advancing modelling: shaping with clay
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can build, shape and add expressive detail to clay, showing movement and emotion.
Key learning points
- Modelling is a process, where forms are built up by gradually adding and shaping material like clay, wax, or plaster.
- Developing sensitivity to moisture levels, structural support, drying times is essential, especially working with clay.
- Expressing movement, emotion and narrative through gesture, posture and detail makes work compelling and communicative.
Keywords
Additive - building up forms gradually using clay, wax or plaster
Structure - supports and internal armatures prevent collapse
Gesture - movement and emotion captured through pose and surface
Common misconception
Clay Sculptures are finished once the shape is made.
Clay work is a process; refinment, moisture control and surface texture are key to a finished sculpture.
Teacher tip
Demonstrate building small test pieces first. Encourage students to pause, step back and evaluate shape, structure and gesture before adding more material.
Equipment
Clay, wax, plaster, modelling tools, water spray, armatures, aprons, sketchbooks and drawing materials.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word “additive process” mean in sculpture?
Q2.True or false? Clay can crack if it dries too quickly.
Q3.Why do artists sometimes use an armature inside clay sculptures?
Q4.What is slip used for when working with clay?
Q5.Which of these could show gesture in a sculpture?
Q6.True or false? Only realistic figures can show movement in sculpture.
To help you plan your 11 art and design lesson on: Advancing modelling: shaping with clay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 art and design lesson on: Advancing modelling: shaping with clay, 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 4 art and design lessons from the 3D Design unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.