Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: make personal investigations
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify a personal question or theme and articulate its relevance to artistic practice.
  • Research and analyse visual sources to develop a mood board and sketch ideas.
  • Apply selected media techniques to create a series of works documenting the investigative process.
  • Critically evaluate the final pieces against the original intention using reflective commentary.
  • Present a coherent portfolio that meets IGCSE assessment criteria.
Materials Needed:
  • Sketchbooks and drawing pencils
  • Colour swatches, paints, collage materials, and digital tablets
  • Printed images or access to online image libraries for research
  • Mood‑board supplies (magazine cut‑outs, glue, poster board)
  • Camera or smartphone for process documentation
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard for displaying examples
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual hook: show a striking personal artwork and ask students what story lies behind it. Review prior learning about mood‑boarding and sketching techniques. Explain that today’s success criteria are to define a personal question, produce a documented investigation, and create a reflective portfolio.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5’) – Students write a personal question or theme on a sticky note and share briefly.
  2. Research & Mood Board (15’) – Using tablets or printed resources, gather visual references and assemble a mood board.
  3. Sketch & Experiment (20’) – Rapid sketching exercise (3‑minute studies) to explore composition, colour, texture.
  4. Planning (10’) – Outline the investigation sequence, media choices, and documentation plan on a worksheet.
  5. Creation (30’) – Begin work on main pieces while photographing each stage; teacher circulates for feedback.
  6. Reflection & Evaluation (10’) – Students write a short commentary linking intention to outcomes.
  7. Portfolio Setup (10’) – Arrange images, sketches, and commentary in the required order; peer review.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the personal question guided visual decisions and highlight key strengths observed. Students complete an exit ticket stating one next step for their investigation. Assign homework to continue a work in progress and add a reflective journal entry.