This Art and design scheme of work video introduces a craft and design unit inspired by the art of ancient Egypt. In this first lesson, pupils explore how and why ancient Egyptian art was created. They look closely at traditional images, patterns and colours, then respond in their sketchbooks using a range of techniques.

To begin, pupils prepare a surface to work on. They can choose to colour wash their page using muted Egyptian tones, create a tea or coffee stain, use prepared painted or textured paper, or tear and stick layers across the surface. The video encourages experimentation with different backgrounds. While these dry, pupils closely observe the reference images provided. They’re asked to look carefully at the patterns and forms and trace the shapes in the air with their fingers to get a feel for them. They then begin drawing directly onto their prepared pages, selecting details and patterns to record in their own way. The focus is not on completing a perfect picture, but on exploring shape, line, and colour creatively.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 3 Ancient Egyptian scrolls unit.

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

Art and design, Year 3, Craft and design: Ancient Egyptian scrolls, Lesson 1: Exploring Ancient Egyptian art.