Essential information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Key Stage |
Key Stage 2
|
| Curriculum links |
Art
Citizenship
History
|
| Session length | 90 minutes |
| Session times | Thursday, 10.15-11.45 and 12.30-14.00 |
| Capacity | 30 pupils per session |
| Price | £90 |
Session overview
Pre-activity
Learners look at Yinka Shinobare CBE’s ‘Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle’ outside the entrance to the National Maritime Museum. They consider how it was made and what messages it conveys.
Introduction
Inspired by the patterns in ‘Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle’, learners discuss how flags, motifs and symbols can be used to represent identity and community.
Activity 1: Icon/flag making
Learners design and share their own geometric patterns and flags that represent them and their communities.
Gallery exploration
Learners tour the Queen’s house and look at specific artworks, such as the bust of Olaudah Equiano. They examine the icons embedded in the artwork and discuss what they could mean.
Activity 2: Art and interpretation
Supported by the facilitator, learners respond to the painting ‘Ship of Fools’ by Kehinde Wiley. They imagine what the people in the painting are thinking and feeling.
Plenary
An opportunity to share thoughts and questions.
Learning objectives
Learners will:
- Develop their observational skills
- Analyse famous artworks and imagery
- Discuss topical issues linked to diversity and citizenship
- Broaden their understanding of British History
Curriculum links
KS2 Art, History, Citizenship
- Pupils should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design
- Decode artwork equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design
Key words
Community, Diversity, Art, Expression, Citizenship
Suggested pre-visit knowledge and activities
Prepare learners to think about how symbols and patterns express who we are.
You could show examples of different national flags or cultural patterns (e.g., Adinkra symbols, tartans, Aboriginal designs, or emoji).
Introduce Yinka Shonibare CBE and Kehinde Wiley and explore some of their art online.
Suggested post-visit knowledge and activities
Learners could use the ideas they captured during the session in response to Ship of Fools to write a poem inspired by the artwork.