Minster Trust for Education

We have been overwhelmed by the number and quality of entries to our Art Competition which launched at the end of last academic year.

Pupils and students across many of our Trust schools submitted entries which were judged on a set criteria. Further details can be found on this page and by visiting our online gallery.

Congratulations to all who are featured below and thanks to all pupils and students who took part!

Meet The Judging Panel

Doug Leman

I’m Doug Leman, an artist passionate about exploring still life, marine, and travel-inspired subjects, often by working en plein air. I’m usually out around Nottinghamshire in all weathers with either my camera or my easel, and whenever I can I venture further afield to paint. This year I’ve been honoured to receive a few awards recognising my work, and this has encouraged me to keep developing my practice and exploring new ideas.

I was delighted to serve as a judge for the Minster Trust’s art competition, reviewing pieces from students across KS2 to KS5. I truly believe young artists bring fresh perspectives and stories to their work, and in my judging I looked for strong technique, creative approaches to the brief, and confident expression across a wide range of mediums. It was inspiring to see so much emerging talent, and I’m grateful to have played a part in celebrating the students’ achievements. Well done to everyone who took part — it was a pleasure to see such creativity and commitment across all the entries.

Matthew Parris

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Criteria

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Digital Gallery

Our highly commended/winners submissions are available to view below in our interactive gallery.

Please note: the digital gallery below is best viewed in full-screen.

Highly Commended/Winners

The art competition winners can be viewed in our online gallery above, or below.

Category A (EYFS & Key Stage 1)

Response to the theme

William – Farnsfield St Michael's Church of England Primary School

Love the energy and how the theme has been taken in both a macro and micro level. The abundance in the picture reflects the theme of flourishing

Isaac – Halam C of E Primary School

Individual examples of ‘flourishing’ are well represented around the central image. Each of these smaller images are interesting in and of themselves.

Creativity

Beau – Kingsway Primary School

A bold and lively use of colour to express the theme.

Layla - Farnsfield St Michael's Church of England Primary School

The positioning of facial features is engaging and interesting, as is the placement of the flower next to the head.

Technical Ability

Ella – Coddington C of E Primary and Nursery School

Composition of the butterfly demonstrate appropriate proportions. Energetic brushwork and paint handling.

Charlotte – Kirklington Primary School

Harmonious use of colour and thoughtful placement in the composition.

Beatrice – Lowe's Wong Infant School

Lively, loose washes of colour leading to a highly effective piece.

Category B (Key Stage 2)

Response to the theme

Bradley – Kingsway Primary School

This is a considered and thoughtful approach to the theme leading to a successful mixed-media piece.

Eryn – Farnsfield St Michael's Church of England Primary School

Delicate plants and flowers naturally meander across the page. Complimentary colours create contrast between loose watercolour washes and controlled pencil drawings, which creates a compelling piece.

Creativity

Hugo – Farnsfield St Michael's Church of England Primary School

A range of interesting elements come together to achieve an overall effect of growth and richness.

Amelia – Halam C of E Primary School

Unfurling fronds capture the essence of ‘flourishing’ in a creative and arresting way. Strong use of colour and playfulness.

Technical Ability

Sophie – Kirklington Primary School

Controlled, yet expressive line work. Carefully applied texture & colour to create a soothing piece.

Finn – Farnsfield St Michael's Church of England Primary School

Intricate use of materials with a thoughtful composition and delicacy.

Abigail – Coddington C of E Primary and Nursery School

Great brush work, good separation of colour and layering, and expressive mark making.

Category C (Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4)

Olivia - National Church of England Academy

A self-reflective and intuitive piece in which a range of techniques have been used to convey a sense of the personal growth. The style has been executed effectively and with confidence.

Rajpreet – National Church of England Academy

This is a vibrant piece demonstrating a controlled use of colour, texture and composition. The theme is represented in a striking way and the flowers are drawn with technical precision.

Violet - The Minster School

This piece stands uniquely apart and immediately draws the eye through an intriguing composition of architectural forms, provoking a discussion leading to a multitude of thematic interpretations.

Ariadna – The Minster School

This is a confident sculptural piece which has been carefully considered leading to a powerful representation of the artist’s intent : “tension and beauty of collective flourishing”.

Millie – The Minster School

Good use of negative space to create a mosaic-like effect, contrasting with areas of intricate detail. The piece has an intimacy and warmth.

Evie – The Minster School

This piece particularly links to both themes of ‘flourishing’ and ‘togetherness’ in its composition. A bold piece, using layered elements and contrasting textures to create a striking graphic effect.