This Art and design scheme of work video helps pupils explore creative ways to join recycled materials to make a sculpture, inspired by the work of artist El Anatsui.

El Anatsui creates large-scale artworks from discarded materials, joining them together in unexpected ways to form striking, three-dimensional pieces. In this lesson, children will experiment with different methods of joining and practice adapting their ideas as they work.

The video demonstrates simple joining techniques such as threading, weaving, layering, gluing and taping. Pupils are invited to try these out as they explore how different textures, colours and patterns can be combined. The video suggests which materials and tools may be needed, and prompts children to consider how they will organise this project. Children should also think about the overall shape, size and stability of their sculpture, as well as how it might be displayed when complete.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Mega materials unit.

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

Art and design, Year 4, Sculpture and 3D: Mega materials, Lesson 5: Recycle and recreate.