In March, I had the pleasure of leading a whole-school assembly to announce the winners of this year’s Kingsley Art Prize. Our theme of ‘Celebration’ was especially fitting as the school marks its 140th birthday, providing students with the opportunity to both express their creativity and celebrate all that makes Kingsley so special.
One of the things I enjoy most about our annual art competition is seeing how differently students respond to the same theme. We had a remarkable number of entries from across all age groups, showcasing incredible talent and diverse interpretations. From vibrant depictions of joy and happiness to thoughtful reflections on personal milestones, the resulting display of art was a testament to students’ creativity, effort and passion.
The judging process is always a highlight for staff. I ask them to look not just at the finished pieces, but at the level of effort, creativity and technical skill demonstrated in each one. It’s never easy to choose winners from such a strong field, but it’s a great reminder of just how much talent and imagination we have in the school.
Before announcing the results, I took a moment to speak to students about something I think is at the heart of all creative work: valuing your own journey and appreciating your emerging talents. I shared a story from my own school days – how I once gave up learning a musical instrument because I was so focused on doing it ‘perfectly’ that I lost sight of how much I’d already achieved. It’s a lesson that’s stayed with me: creativity isn’t about comparing yourself to others; it’s about noticing your own progress, enjoying the process and taking pride in your development.
I also spoke about the power of appreciation, not just for art, but for the people and experiences around us. As artists, we often learn to look closely, to notice detail and to express what we see and feel. But appreciation goes beyond the page. Whether it’s recognising the effort behind someone’s work or simply telling a friend what you value about them, small acts of appreciation can have a huge impact. They shape how we relate to others, how we see ourselves and how we build a more positive and connected community.
As we celebrated the entries on display, I encouraged everyone to look not just for their favourite piece, but for something in each artwork they could appreciate – a clever idea, a bold colour choice, a feeling it sparked. Appreciation is a habit we can all practise and in doing so, we become not just better artists or students, but kinder and more thoughtful people.
We were delighted to have Dr Howling join us to present the certificates and prizes (art materials to help our winners continue creating). Huge congratulations to Jeevan (Little Aviators), Esme (Y2), Eve (Y3), Sophia (Y6), Zoya (Y7), Emily (Y8) and Maria (Y9) – and a special mention to Fay (Y8)…
Fay was awarded the Kingsley Art Prize trophy for her show-stopping painting of a bustling street party. Painted in acrylics, it’s full of colour, movement and detail – bunting, balloons, crowds, flags and a golden glow that seems to light up the whole canvas. It even includes a nod to Kingsley’s big birthday, with a ‘140’ sign worked cleverly into the scene. It’s a fantastic piece.
Fay has had a brilliant year, consistently showing skill, imagination and commitment across everything she’s taken on – from observational sketches to her ambitious Reach Higher project exploring atmospheric wooden buildings. She even painted a new sign for the Art Studio door in the same lively, celebratory style. Watching her progress has been a real highlight; she listens, reflects, takes creative risks and, above all, really cares about her work. Her acrylic technique is confident and expressive and she’s beginning to tell visual stories that connect with people.
When I asked Fay how she felt about winning, she said: “I loved doing the painting because it felt like a chance to put everything I’ve learned this year into one piece and I really wanted it to feel joyful. It felt like a way to show how much I’ve grown – not just in how I paint, but in how I think about art.”
Well done to Fay and to everyone who entered the competition. It really was a celebration in every sense!
Article written by: By Mr Lax, Head of Art
