In the last half term, Year 7 students were asked to reflect on their work over the course of the year and create a piece of artwork around a religious or philosophical theme.

In its 16th year, the Spirited Arts competition has attracted over 320,000 participants (averaging 20,000 per year!) since 2004, with 2,000 entries being sent in to NATRE each year for judging. Hundreds of UK schools get involved, and with entries coming from as far a-field as Cyprus and Australia, Indonesia and South Africa.

The Religious Studies department has judged all the fantastic pieces of art created by Year 7 students and have selected the best to send to the national competition.

Some students chose to focus on the theme of pilgrimage, which they have studied as part of the Year 7 course. Isobella recreated the Western Wall from ice lolly sticks, while Grace created a fantastic and colourful piece on the pilgrimage site at Bodh Gaya – the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Ayzia also focused on Buddhism, depicting the Buddha reflecting on questions of ultimate significance. 

Many students focused on the theme of ‘Where is God?’ creating some very introspective works. Ina, Kristina and Amy all created artworks exploring the possibility that God is everywhere. Jawaria created a 3D flower, with each aspect symbolic of a belief about God in Islam. Madeline staged a very interesting photograph that explored the possibility of God in heaven and God within.

Hannah and Arina both approached this theme from an atheistic point of view, to question why God sometimes appears absent at times of disaster and hardship. Tiana also explored this idea through a musical composition in several movements, which she played on her harp.

It has been excellent to watch the creativity of which our students are capable, and to see that they have applied this so thoughtfully to themes in Religious Studies.

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