Hundreds of pupils spread hope through art and poetry competition
More than 1,000 primary and secondary pupils from Star Academies’ schools took part in a special competition designed to inspire hope during lockdown. The Stars of Hope art and poetry competition was launched at the beginning of lockdown to help pupils focus on positive messages during what has been a challenging time for many.
People in every community across Britain are facing the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak in some way – from missing contact with loved ones to needing basic provisions or help while they are unwell.
But despite these challenging times, the determination and skill of ‘ordinary’ people is achieving extraordinary results. Millions of pounds have been raised for charity, our vulnerable communities have not been forgotten, and every Thursday, the nation unites to show its appreciation for our key workers. During lockdown our communities have rallied to find new ways to stay connected and sustain each other.
The Stars of Hope competition, launched by Star Academies, has captured the spirit of the nation. Pupils across the country were tasked with creating art and poetry to give thanks to those supporting us and to share inspirational messages to provide comfort at this time of uncertainty.
Primary pupils from Star Academies’ schools submitted artwork in the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 categories. Judges were overawed by the quality and creativity of pupils’ artwork, which they described as “thought-provoking, inspiring and filled with messages of thanks”.
The winning primary school pupils will each receive a beautiful set of art materials to enable them to continue to develop their artistic skills.
Secondary school pupils were asked to write a piece of poetry to inspire hope during these challenging times. Pupils drew on their knowledge of history and speeches from times past to inspire others and to help them find inspiration in their words.
Judges were impressed with the quality of the poems written by talented writers from across Star Academies’ schools. Judges chose six winners from the hundreds of entries who will each be awarded a tablet computer complete with home-learning software. A further 16 entrants were shortlisted as finalists. Both the winners’ and the finalists’ poems have been collated into a new and inspiring collection of poetry.
All winners and finalists will receive a certificate and a letter of congratulations.
(Mufti) Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, praised the pupils for their exceptional work.
He said: “Our pupils have made us very proud during these times of adversity. These works of art and poems are a wonderful testimony to our pupils’ ability to inspire hope, even during the darkest of times.
As we all look towards establishing our new normality, these messages will help to inspire us through difficult or challenging times ahead.
We would like to thank everyone who entered the competition. We were impressed with the high quality of the entries from across all ages and the creativity pupils have expressed.”
The Stars of Hope Virtual Art Gallery and Poetry Collection are available to view at: www.starcoronavirusappeal.org/stars-of-hope
Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 22nd May 2020 | Posted In: Latest News