KS3 students recently demonstrated their outstanding creativity and artistic talent by participating in the St Thérèse of Lisieux Portrait Competition, organised by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The competition provided students with an exciting opportunity to develop their portraiture skills while exploring the life and legacy of one of the Church’s most inspiring saints.
As part of the project, students researched St Thérèse and used a range of artistic techniques to create thoughtful and expressive portrait responses. Working with a variety of media, including pencil, coloured pencil, paint and mixed media, students carefully considered proportion, tone, colour and detail to produce highly individual interpretations. The project encouraged students to combine technical skill with personal creativity, resulting in a diverse and impressive collection of artwork.
The standard of entries was exceptionally high, with students demonstrating excellent commitment, perseverance and attention to detail throughout the creative process. Many took great pride in refining their work and producing portraits that reflected both the character of St Thérèse and their own artistic style.
The competition proved to be a tremendous success for The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College, with two Year 8 students receiving outstanding recognition. One student was awarded Overall Winner of the Competition, while another secured the title of Best Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 Entry. These remarkable achievements highlight the exceptional artistic talent within the school and are a testament to the creativity, dedication and technical skill of our young artists.
As part of the awards presentation, the winners were welcomed and congratulated by Michelle Ross, a representative from the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Her presence made the occasion even more special and provided students with a memorable opportunity to celebrate their success.
The competition was a wonderful celebration of artistic achievement and offered students a meaningful opportunity to engage with their faith through creativity. The finished artworks showcased the depth of talent across the Key Stage 3 cohort and highlighted the enthusiasm students have for Art.
Headteacher Glenn Thompson praised the students’ efforts, stating:
“I have been incredibly impressed by the quality of work produced for the St Thérèse of Lisieux Portrait Competition. The creativity, dedication and attention to detail displayed by our students has been exceptional. The artwork not only showcases their artistic talents but also reflects a thoughtful understanding of the values and legacy of St Thérèse. Every student who entered should be extremely proud of their achievement.”
The Art Department would like to congratulate all students who participated, and particularly our two Year 8 award winners whose achievements brought great distinction to the school. Their hard work, creativity and commitment made the competition a tremendous success and provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate both artistic excellence and our Catholic ethos.
We would also like to thank Michelle Ross and the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle for organising the competition and recognising the outstanding achievements of our students.