Expressive arts

Tattoos design challenge

As an aspect of discovering Polynesia, learners are required to explore aspects of Polynesian life and culture.

Learners could

• Research the history of tattooing.
• Find out why tattooing has become so popular in contemporary society.
• Work collaboratively or as individuals to develop their own Polynesian tattoos based on other animals or figures.

Gauguin's colours challenge

Introduce learners to the work of Paul Gauguin in Tahiti. Emphasis should be focused on Gauguin's use of bold, flat complementary colours, his disregard of the natural colour of objects and the outlining of his shapes.

Stick game activity

Traditionally, Polynesian stick games were a kind of practice to improve warriors' spear-handling skills. Today stick games are played for enjoyment by adults and children.

Making Polynesian sticks from wood could enable pupils to create simple designs based on their work on Polynesian tattoos or Gauguin as their creative inspirations.