National curriculum links

The activities based on geometric Islamic patterns in this booklet support learning about shapes, space and measures. Students at Key Stage 1 and 2 can learn to recognise circles, triangles, squares and hexagons, and to create pictures using 2-D shapes. They learn to identify lines of symmetry and to recognise reflective and rotational symmetry. Students at Key Stage 2 and 3 can study transformational and symmetrical patterns to produce tessellations.

The activities are particularly useful for cross-curricular links with Art and Technology projects.

Preparation for a visit

We strongly suggest that teachers make a preliminary visit to the VA and undertake the activities themselves before introducing these to students. Students will need to construct patterns for themselves in order to develop an understanding of how the shapes relate to each other. Allow plenty of time for these activities. Some students may lack the co-ordination required to manipulate a compass. Circular templates with the circumference divided into six or eight equal parts will help to get these students started.

We have provided a triangular grid for producing patterns with triangles and hexagons. We have also provided patterns that can be used to make card templates of the main shapes.

Download triangle grid template (PDF file, 60.4 KB)

Download circular template (PDF file, 116.7 KB)

Download octagon template (PDF file, 43.5 KB)

Download hexagon and triangle template (PDF file, 93.2 KB)