Download our free lesson plans for Key Stage 3 – 5 students (ages 11 – 18), covering many areas of our collections and the varied exhibition programme.
Art, Craft and Design
These resources support self-guided visits to collections on permanent display:
Exploring Ceramics
Key Stages 3 – 5
Developed with our colleagues at V&A Wedgwood and DesignLab Nation V&A Ceramicist in Resident, Florence Dwyer, this resource explores the properties and uses of clay and ceramics in art and design. Students can take part in a range of innovate hands-on activities and be inspired by the incredible breadth of ceramic objects in the collections.
DesignLab Nation is generously supported by Sarah Nichols
Global African connections in art & design
Key Stages 3 – 5, Art & Design and D&T
The object discussion cards in this pack showcase objects from across the V&A's collection created by designers, artists and makers of African heritage. Students can explore fashion, textiles, illustration, photography, ceramics, glass, product design and more. A student booklet is provided at the end of the resource to be used in conjunction with the object discussion cards as a place for students to note down and sketch their responses to the objects and discussion points.
The Photography Centre
Key Stages 4 & 5, Art & Design
Discover the work of key contemporary photographers featured in the Photography Centre, as well as famous names from the history of photography. This resource allows students to explore themes of identity, climate change, and geopolitics as well as learn about different photographic processes. Featuring a 'compare and contrast' section and easy to print student booklet, the resource can be used either on a visit to the museum or in the classroom.
Caribbean connections in art and design
Key Stages 3 – 5, Art & Design and Design & Technology
The object discussion cards in this pack showcase objects from across the V&A's collection created by designers, artists and makers from the Caribbean or of Caribbean heritage. Students can explore fashion, prints, photography, furniture design and more. A student booklet is provided at the end of the resource to be used in conjunction with the object discussion cards as a place for students to note down and sketch their responses to the objects and discussion points.
20th century design
Key stages 3 – 5, Design & Technology and Art & Design
Explore the 20th century using this resource to support teaching and learning linked to the National Curriculum for D&T and Art & Design. This resource meets key criteria for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR D&T GCSE specifications by linking with suggested artists, designers, themes and movements from this period and beyond.
Exploring calligraphy in Islamic art
Key Stages 3 – 5, Art & Design, Design & Technology
Learn about Islamic culture and design through calligraphy. Investigate the links between design, language and communication in cultures past and present.
Exploring plant-based design in Islamic art
Key Stage 3 – 5, Art & Design, Design & Technology
Study examples of Islamic plant-based designs at the V&A and give students inspiration for creative projects.
V&A Wedgwood Collection: I am a Man and a Brother
Explore Wedgwood’s anti-slavery medallion and how its history can inspire anti–racist change today.
Pattern in architecture
Key Stage 3 & 4, Art & Design, Design & Technology
Explore pattern through the V&A and RIBA architecture collections.
Design processes
Key Stage 3 & 4, Art & Design, Design & Technology
Learn about the design processes and inspiration behind iconic buildings in the V&A and RIBA architecture collections and use these ideas to inspire new product design projects.
Exploring skylines
Key Stage 3 & 4, Art & Design, Design & Technology
Explore a range of drawing techniques to record architectural details and features with reference to the work of other artists and architects. Develop research skills and create ideas for school-based follow-up activities inspired by architecture at the V&A and the local built environment.
Fashion
Key Stage 3 & 4, Art & Design, Design & Technology
Research the extensive fashion collections at the V&A and use them to inspire new designs.
Fashion & textiles: state of Early Modern undress
Key Stage 4 & 5, Art & Design and Design & Technology
Also suitable for Higher Education groups
Explore replica costumes of outfits worn by 17th Century Spanish royalty. Develop an understanding of garment construction and take inspiration for future design projects.
Photography
Key Stage 4 & 5, Photography, Art & Design
Support teaching and learning inspired by the Museum’s national collection of photography.
Jewellery
Key Stage 3 & 4, Art & Design, Design & Technology
Explore the V&A’s collection of European jewellery from 1200 to the present day, looking at the different materials and techniques featured, the function and context of the objects, and the inspiration behind the designs.
Performing Arts, Media and English
Theatre & Performance
Key Stage 3 & 4, Drama and English
Explore the different aspects of performance such as costume, production and promotion.
Peter Brook
Key Stage 5, English, Drama, History
Discover why Brook and his collaborators approached particular plays and themes and consider how these could be relevant today.
An Inspector Calls
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Britain 1760 – 1900 and Theatre and Performance.
Belle
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Britain 1760 – 1900 and Fashion.
Great Expectations
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Britain 1760 – 1900 and Paintings.
Twelfth Night
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Britain 1500 – 1760, Paintings and Theatre and Performance.
Much Ado About Nothing
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Theatre and Performance and Medieval and Renaissance.
Pride and Prejudice
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Britain 1760 – 1900.
Romeo and Juliet
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Theatre and Performance and Medieval and Renaissance.
Throne of Blood
Key Stage 3 – 5, English, Drama, History
Understand more about the world of film through the exploration of museum galleries, objects and collections. Explore Japan and Theatre and Performance.
Exhibition resources
Explore our resources which support visits to temporary exhibitions.
Some are for exhibitions that have now closed but many of the activities can be adapted for use in the classroom and our permanent collections.
Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance
Key Stages 4 – 5, Art & Design and Art History
Featuring object discussion cards which highlight key objects from the exhibition, this resource will develop students' knowledge and understanding of the work of Donatello whilst also introducing them to the work of V&A Artist in Residence, Rebecca Stevenson. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the processes used by Donatello and themes contained within his work, whilst also developing their own drawing and making skills through a selection of activities. The resource has been designed to be used on a visit and in the classroom.
Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear
Key Stages 3 – 5, Art & Design and Design & Technology
Consisting of object discussion cards, this resource aims to encourage object-based learning and allow students to develop critical, creative, and collaborative thinking skills. Students will be supported to reflect on the themes of menswear and gender through the historical and contemporary examples featured.
Africa Fashion
Key Stages 3 – 5, Art & Design and Design & Technology
Covering key themes such as the African independence era, the politics of cloth through to the work of Africa's contemporary creatives, use this resource to support a self-guided visit to the exhibition or as inspirational starting points for study back in the classroom.