KS3 art – Mix music and art with this free lesson plan

Key Stage

KS3

Age

Years 7-9

Subjects

Take your cue from Kandinsky and get students to cross-pollinate their creative talents with this free KS3 art lesson plan.

The aim of this lesson, inspired by the artist Kandinsky, is to shake students’ perception of subjects in isolation and to go on a creative journey that combines dance, drama, music, painting and more.

As well as combining different subjects and skills, this lesson encourages students to trust the process and not be afraid of the outcomes.

Learning objectives

Make connections with the work of other great artists to help the development of students’ own art forms
Explore and develop students’ creative thinking with a cross-curricular approach

KS3 art lesson starter activity

Put the following quote on the board to get students thinking creatively about Kandinsky and his condition of synaesthesia. Accompany it with visual worksheets depicting practical examples.

“Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul.”

The main KS3 art lesson allows students to embrace and combine visual, practical and kinaesthetic learning. It’s a fast-paced activity and everyone should be able to participate in the deconstruction of Kandinsky’s work, make connections and communicate their ideas confidently.

Rachel Wiffen, head of art, Louise Craigie, head of creative arts, and Rosie Sansom, L2L co-ordinator, are all experienced art teachers at the Harwich and Dovercourt High School, as well as being exhibiting and working artists.