This unit has been fully revised for 2026
Sequence of Learning for Teachers
In this unit of work children extend and consolidate their knowledge of portraiture through focusing on self-portraits. Children create self-portraits using a range of different art media and techniques. Children draw faces by learning how to draw facial features and about the proportions of the face. For the creative outcome, children draw a self-portrait by choosing a range of materials and techniques to create a mixed-media composition.
This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following four convergent task sessions:
• Session 1: Selfie Portrait
• Session 2: Pencil Portraits
• Session 3: Fruity Faces
• Session 4: Emotional Self-Portraits
Creative Outcome (Divergent task) – Mixed Media Self Portrait
The unit of work completes with the creative outcome (divergent task) activity that can be delivered over two or more sessions. These sessions can also be used for children to complete activities from sessions 1-4. For the creative outcome children use mixed media techniques to create a self-portrait. Children choose from a range of media to create their self-portrait providing an opportunity to consolidate skills and techniques using familiar media and to experiment with using new media or creating art using a mixture of different media.
The creative outcome activity provides an opportunity for children to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding from previous sessions in this unit of work. Through the creative outcome children will develop their creativity and understanding of the creative process by combining their imagination with the knowledge they have acquired.
Each Unit of work consists of:
• Comprehensive medium-term planning that details the learning journey, resources, vocabulary development and links to online learning.
• Separate lesson presentations for each teaching session.
• Additional presentations linked to learning within the unit.
• Photocopiable resources to support teaching within the unit.
• Advice on challenge and support in art and design.
• Assessment statements: Keeping up with the curriculum.

In addition to the above, each unit also includes a downloadable primary progression map for art and design (curriculum pathway) and an extensive vocabulary list. Combining and sequencing Art Academy units of work allows schools to create a scheme of work for art and design from key stage 1 to the end of key stage 2.