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Nature as Code

creating identity using nature symbolism

About this learning resource

Format: PDF

Portrait artists of the Tudor era used nature symbolism as a form of coded language between sitter and viewer to promote a specific public image.

This lesson pack examines the difference between public image and private identity. Students decode public image in Tudor-era portraits. They will then explore, through self-portraiture incorporating nature symbols, their personal sense of self and how that supports self esteem.

National Curriculum links

  • Use drawing, painting and sculpture to share ideas and imagination
  • Identify what we are good at, what we like and dislike
  • Recognise the ways in which we are the same and different to others

Learning Objectives

  • Understand what a portrait and a self-portrait are
  • Understand how nature symbols have been used by Tudor artists to convey public and private messages about the sitters
  • Explore identity and how this can be represented through artwork

Resource Information

Key Stage

  • SEND

Subjects

  • Art & Design
  • History of Art
  • PSHE

Topic

  • Tudors

Type

  • Lessons Plans

Palace

  • Tower of London
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Self-guided historical enquiry designed to support GCSE students studying the Normans, in particular the AQA historic environment of Norman England.

Key Stage

  • KS4 (age 15-16)
  • KS5 (age 16+)

Subject

  • History

Topic

  • Normans

A selection of primary and secondary image and written sources

Key Stage

  • KS4 (age 15-16)

Subject

  • History

Topic

  • Historic Environment

Welcome to The Scoop! Join Jezebel Factsman and her team of historical experts to uncover how the Normans constructed the White Tower.

Key Stage

  • KS4 (age 15-16)

Subject

  • History
  • Archaeology

Topic

  • Normans