Our pupils sweep the board in Trust Christmas Card competition

We know Arbour Vale pupils are a talented bunch, but we have also found out there are some incredibly talented artists in the school! Our pupils and classes swept the board in the Trust’s Annual Christmas Card competition with one of our Early Years pupils winning the EY/Primary competition and Basingstoke class (pictured above) taking first place in the Secondary/Post-16 competition.

Two pupils in Primary also came joint third with their entries and a number of pupils received highly commended certificates for their card designs. There are 14 schools across Orchard Hill College Academy Trust and hundreds of pupils enter this competition, which is judged by an independent artist, so this is an incredible result for our budding artists, the art department and teachers.

This is what the judge said about the entries that were placed:

First place in EY/Primary was The Three Deer by Aizah from Maidenhead Class, Arbour Vale School

Judge’s comment: “The designer has really thought about the story of these little characters and where they are and when, with lovely use of natural fir stems to bring it to life.  The Trio of Deer has bounced to the top score!  Beautiful work.”

 

 

 

 

Joint Third Place

The Three Sheep by Ihsan, Wycombe Class, Arbour Vale School

Judge’s comment: “There is always a soft spot for animal designs and these charming sheep characters are no exception, they really do resemble our relatives after Christmas lunch.  They have been beautifully created and they are really fun.  The composition is well placed and shows a number of different artistic skills, especially the neatness of the different hats and details”

 

 

 

Cottages in the Snow by Abigail, Beaconsfield Class, Arbour Vale School

“The row of cottages are charming and quietly tell us the story of a cosy refuge in a cold blizzard.  They spread warmth and comfort, the true messages of Christmas, through the joy of being at home in our community – something we are all grateful for at Christmas.”

 

 

 

 

Secondary/Post-16

First Place The Leaf Reindeer by Basingstoke Class at Arbour Vale School

Judge’s comment: “The creativity of this design is very prominent.  The multi-media brought a 3D aspect to the design and I loved the natural materials over the contrasting Christmas stripes.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The two first place entries have been made into two Christmas cards which are sent out on by behalf of the Trust from the Leadership Team and Trustees. The winners were presented with a certificate, a box of Christmas cards featuring their design, chocolates and a gift voucher. Second and third places were also presented with a certificate and chocolate reindeer.

Well done to everyone who took part. All the entries are used to decorate the Trust’s head office and staff and visitors love looking at all the creative entries during December.

The Gallery below shows all the entries from Arbour Vale that received special recognition.