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Lesson 9 of 18
  • Year 11

Develop ideas: trials and experiments

I can use my insights to develop new innovative experiements

Lesson 9 of 18
New
New
  • Year 11

Develop ideas: trials and experiments

I can use my insights to develop new innovative experiements

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Idea development is iterative. Each trial can lead to new insights, refining the original concept.
  2. Keeping thorough records of trials, including outcomes and reflections helps you track progress and identify successes.
  3. Taking risks can lead to unexpected and innovative results.

Keywords

  • Iterative - repeating a process or idea many times to improve or develop it further

  • Insights - a new idea, or deeper understanding, usually recorded in your sketchbook

  • Intention - the purpose or reason behind an artist’s work or how they want viewers to feel or think

  • Innovation - creating new and original ideas, techniques, or styles

Common misconception

You don't need to record failures as it will lower your GCSE grade.

Record all of your experiments, but make it clear in your work that you know which ones were successful and take these forward in your creative journey. This is evidence of your informed and insightful approach. This will attract a higher mark.


To help you plan your year 11 art and design lesson on: Develop ideas: trials and experiments, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Consider prior to the lesson how to direct students in terms of the most appropriate presentation types for your specialism.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Choose materials suitable for your specialism but offer a wide range to enable students to experiment freely.

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.
Which of these is part of the visual language of art?

Correct answer: Line, shape, colour
Pencil case and sketchbook
Photography equipment
An artist’s biography

Q2.
True or False? All experiments in art must be successful to be useful.

True
Correct answer: False

Q3.
Match the key art term to its meaning:

Correct Answer:Intention,The purpose or message behind your work

The purpose or message behind your work

Correct Answer:Experimentation,Testing new ideas, materials, or processes

Testing new ideas, materials, or processes

Correct Answer:Reflection,Looking back to evaluate what worked and what could improve

Looking back to evaluate what worked and what could improve

Q4.
Why do artists use sketchbooks?

To keep finished artworks safe
Correct answer: To record experiments, ideas and reflections
To replace a portfolio
To avoid using larger canvases

Q5.
Which of these artists famously used personal diaries filled with sketches and written reflections?

Vincent van Gogh
Correct answer: Frida Kahlo
Antony Gormley
Pablo Picasso

Q6.
Match the material or technique to what it might help an artist explore:

Correct Answer:Ink wash,Creating tonal depth and mood

Creating tonal depth and mood

Correct Answer:Collage,Layering and combining textures

Layering and combining textures

Correct Answer:Photography,Capturing fleeting moments

Capturing fleeting moments

Additional material

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