This Art and Design scheme of work video introduces pupils to composition through collage, helping them understand how to balance and arrange different elements in a visually engaging way.

Pupils explore how composition affects the overall feel of an artwork. They learn that every collage needs a focal point—something that catches the eye—and that using a mix of shapes, colours, and textures can help guide the viewer’s attention around the piece. The lesson encourages experimentation with balance, space, layering, and contrast. Using packaging, wrappers and paper, pupils create their own collage, considering how their arrangement affects the impact of the work. They are reminded that too many or too few shapes can make an artwork feel either chaotic or incomplete.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Exploring tone, texture and proportion unit. It supports children to make creative choices and reflect on how artists use composition to make their work more effective.

See more of our Year 4 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 4, *Updated* Drawing: Exploring tone, texture and proportion, Lesson 4: Creating an effective composition.