Bassano Students Unmask Their Creativity!
Students in Grades 7 and 8 at Bassano School have been busy bringing their imaginations to life through the CTF Mask Project. This hands-on assignment blended global research with technical construction, allowing students to explore the Career & Technology Foundations (CTF) curriculum through a unique, artistic lens.
From Research to Reality
Before picking up any materials, students dived into the history of masks across various geographic regions—including Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Europe. They explored how masks are used for everything from storytelling to sacred ceremonies.
While these historical and pop-culture designs served as inspiration, the final goal was for every student to create an original design that reflected their own identity, interests, or a specific message.
The Building Process
The classroom transformed into a bustling workshop as students moved through several technical stages:
Planning & Sketching: Students developed two distinct concepts, noting features like expression, color, and what the mask should communicate.
Construction: Using plaster strips, students built their bases, followed by sanding and shaping to refine the form.
Personalization: The final touch involved adding embellishments like paint, texture, and other mixed materials to bring their sketches to life.
More Than Just Art
The project wasn’t just about the finished product; it was about the process. Students were assessed on consistent effort, safe tool use, and workplace tidiness—key skills that align with CTF outcomes. By taking ownership of their work, from the first research slide to the final coat of paint, these Grade 7 and 8 students proved that learning is most engaging when it's hands-on and fueled by choice.