This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils explore how sketchbooks can be used as a creative tool rather than for completed pieces.

Children learn that sketchbooks are a safe place to experiment, make mistakes and develop ideas. They can use them to try different approaches, such as practising shading styles, experimenting with media, or sketching the same subject in several ways. Pupils are also encouraged to add short notes alongside their drawings, recording ideas and possible changes to help them reflect and improve. Through this process, sketchbooks become a space to practise skills, explore texture and detail, and build confidence in experimenting. By the end of the lesson, children will understand that sketchbooks are about creativity and growth, not perfection, and provide a record of their artistic development.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Art and design skills units.

This archived Art and design scheme of work video is part of a lesson in which pupils focus on the formal element of pattern, learning how repeating lines, shapes, tones and colours can be used to create striking designs.

Children begin with four sheets of paper, a selection of paint colours and simple printing shapes. Starting with an object such as a bottle top, they dip it into paint and repeat the print across the page to form a pattern. Pupils experiment with light and dark contrasts, directions, and overlapping prints, creating new designs with each sheet. As they progress, children combine shapes and colours to develop more complex patterns. By the end of the lesson, pupils will have created a collection of repeating prints, which can be displayed together.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s archived Year 2 Formal elements of art unit.