Young artists praised in World Children’s Day contest

Budding artists from a Newcastle school were celebrating after their work was highly commended in a regional competition.

Pupils across all year groups at St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School entered the contest, which was organised by the Diocese of Wrexham and Newcastle for the first World Children’s Day – an initiative that was announced last year by Pope Francis, who invited children from around the globe to ‘join together in friendship and prayer’.

“Fifty-nine schools from across the Diocese took part, and they received over 2,402 entries in total,” explained Alys Haddow, Year 3 teacher and Art, History and Geography Lead at St Catherine’s, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“The judges decided that, as there were so many fantastic entries, they would shortlist the top 100 pieces of art to be highly commended for their effort and enthusiasm.

“In St Catherine’s, every class from Year 1 to Year 6 submitted entries, and we were incredibly proud to find out three children were on the top-100 list for high commendation.”

The school’s chosen three were Deborah in Year 1, Lexi in Year 3, and Dexter in Year 5, who were each awarded a Special Commendation Certificate, while all the participants received certificates for taking part.

Run by the Diocesan Department for Education in association with the Youth Ministry Team, the competition required children to create a piece of artwork inspired by the question ‘How do I see the Kingdom of God?’

Prizes were awarded at primary and secondary school level, with winners receiving  £50 Amazon vouchers, and the artwork displayed at the Dicoesan Department for Education and Youth Village.

“Our children were absolutely over the moon and filled with pride,” added Miss Haddow. “All three of them beamed from ear to ear, and they were presented formally with their lovely certificates in our whole-school assembly.

“We like to take part in competitions in St Catherine’s, as it enriches our curriculum and provides children with opportunities they may not have access to otherwise. It promotes a healthy attitude towards competing, and also gives children the chance to celebrate each other, even if they weren’t chosen themselves.”