Sacred Heart student shines in art competition

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Art was all the talk, when sixth formers from Sacred Heart Catholic High School took part in the National Gallery’s prestigious Articulation Prize.

The Year 12 students rose to the challenge of the annual competition, which aims to encourage critical thinking and presentation skills through the discussion of art.

“Students are invited to each deliver a 10-minute presentation to an audience about a work of art, architecture, or an artefact of their choice,” said Head of Art Laura Stocks.

“Adjudicators then assess each presentation, looking at content, structure, delivery, and the speaker’s original approach and unique potential.

“Schools are required to hold internal school heats to select one student to represent their school at regional heats or regional finals, which take place at museums and galleries across the country.”

The internal stage of the contest at Sacred Heart saw Aima, Pearl, and Ella deliver their presentations to a judging panel made up of sixth-form students, and Art and English teachers. Aima focused on Kelly McKernan water colours in her discussion on the impact of Artificial Intelligence, while Pearl explored the portrayal of war through the film 1912, and winner Ella discussed the painting Judith Beheading Holofernes by Renaissance artist Artemisia Gentileschi.

“The regional heat was held in the Laing Art Gallery in late March, and Ella delivered her presentation against six local schools from the Northeast,” continued Miss Stocks.

“Her presentation was praised by adjudicator Dr George Vasey, curator and writer, for its ‘use of descriptive language and great use of storytelling’, and he said the talk ‘was paced brilliantly and delivered with real passion’.

“Ella was selected at the regional heat to go forward and represent the Northeast, and Sacred Heart, in the Grand Final at London’s National Gallery.”

There was one further challenge for Ella, when cancelled trains on the day of the final meant she had to deliver her presentation to the National Gallery audience and adjudicators over Zoom.

“Ella should be proud of herself, and managed to adapt to the circumstances and last-minute change admirably,” added Miss Stocks.

“Unfortunatley Ella did not achieve first place, but she received some excellent feedback on the structure and passionate delivery of her presentation from the London adjudicators Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of National Gallery, and Ali Smith, author and playwright.”

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