Wider Curriculum Y3 Spring 2
Can I Create a Piece of Art Based on a Period of History?
Big Question:
How can portraiture be used to represent individuals?
Overview
This term, Year 3 will combine art, history, and science to explore the Tudor period and the concept of portraiture. Children will learn how light and shadow work, investigate Tudor life, and create a self-portrait in Tudor style using symbolism to represent their identity. They will also design and perform a shadow puppet show to share historical knowledge.
What Will Children Learn?
- Science:
- How light travels and creates shadows.
- How the size and position of shadows change.
- History:
- Who the Tudors were and what life was like for nobles and peasants.
- How art and symbolism were used in Tudor portraits.
- Art:
- Sketching and painting techniques for realistic portraits.
- How to mix colours for skin tones and use shading for light and shadow.
- How to incorporate symbolism into artwork.
Key Experiences
✅ Creating and performing a shadow puppet show about Tudor life
✅ Visiting a Tudor location or workshop (e.g., Hampton Court Palace)
✅ Exploring famous Tudor portraits and their symbolism
✅ Painting a self-portrait on canvas using mixed media
Why This Matters
This project helps children understand how art can tell stories and represent identity. It develops creativity, historical knowledge, and scientific understanding of light and shadow.
How You Can Support at Home
- Talk about family history and portraits you may have at home.
- Discuss what objects could represent your child’s interests or identity.
- Explore light and shadow using a torch and household objects.
- Look at famous portraits online and discuss what they reveal about the person.
The Final Outcome
By the end of the term, children will:
- Perform a shadow puppet show about Tudor life.
- Create a self-portrait on canvas using symbolism, proportion, and realistic colour mixing.
- Understand how art and history connect to tell stories about people and society.
