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Lesson 5 of 7
  • Year 11

Casting methods: reproducing and enhancing sculptures

I can explain and apply casting stages to create a small sculpture, experimenting with materials and finishes.

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View unit
Lesson 5 of 7
New
New
  • Year 11

Casting methods: reproducing and enhancing sculptures

I can explain and apply casting stages to create a small sculpture, experimenting with materials and finishes.

Download all

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.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Different casting materials offer various textures, finishes, weights and durability.
  2. Stages in model making: mouldmaking, casting, curing and finishing all require focus to ensure accuracy and quality.
  3. Casting enables the creation of multiple copies or editions of a sculpture, making art more accessible and versatile.

Keywords

  • Mould - hollow form used to shape liquid or pliable casting material

  • Edition - multiple copies of a sculpture from one mould

  • Finish - surface treatment (polish, paint, patina) that changes appearance and durability

Common misconception

All casts look the same no matter what material is used.

Different materials give different textures, weights, weights and finishes - same mould different outcomes.


To help you plan your year 11 art and design lesson on: Casting methods: reproducing and enhancing sculptures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage risk-taking – allow students to pour or mix independently after demonstrating. Stress safety and promote self and peer reflection. Compare and contrast textures, finishes and editions made by peers.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Clay / wax for models, alginate / silicone for moulds, plaster / resin / concrete for casts, mixing containers, spatulas, PPE, sketchbooks and drawing equipment.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a mould used for in casting?

To decorate a sculpture
Correct answer: To hold liquid or soft material until it sets
To carve details directly into stone
To make a sculpture invisible

Q2.
Why might an artist want to make several copies (editions) of the same sculpture?

Correct answer: To make their work more accessible to more people
To make the sculpture invisible
To make the sculpture smaller
To hide mistakes in the artwork

Q3.
Which step comes first when making a cast?

Pouring the casting material
Taking the cast out of the mould
Correct answer: Making the model
Painting the finish

Q4.
Why might the finish (paint, polish, or texture) of a sculpture be important?

Correct answer: It changes how the sculpture looks and feels to viewers
It always makes the sculpture stronger
It makes the sculpture invisible
It decides the size of the sculpture

Q5.
Which of these materials would be best if you wanted a mould that could capture fine detail and be used more than once?

Plaster
Correct answer: Silicone
Fabric
Clay

Q6.
Why might an artist choose to use casting instead of carving directly into stone or wood?

Casting is always faster than carving
Correct answer: Casting allows them to make copies and capture fine details
Casting makes the sculpture invisible
Casting is the only way to add colour

Additional material

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