This Art and design scheme of work video guides pupils as they begin planning their own abstract sculptures by exploring shape and space through drawing.

It introduces the idea that artists can turn real-life things into abstract art by focusing on basic shapes and spotting shapes in the background, known as negative space. Pupils practise identifying both positive and negative spaces as they sketch. The video encourages children to collect ideas for their sculpture by making abstract drawings. These sketches help pupils plan their sculptures, focusing on shape and composition rather than making something that looks realistic. They are reminded that abstract art doesn’t have to look like anything in particular. Instead, they should aim t to explore form, space and creativity.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 3 Abstract shape and space unit.

See more of our Year 3 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 3, Sculpture and 3D: Abstract shape and space, Lesson 3: Seeing space.