University of Northampton’s Schools and Colleges Art and Design Competition 2019

Congratulations to Ella Gurr, (Yr13) who entered the University of Northampton’s Schools and Colleges Art and Design Competition 2019 with 2 A3 Portrait Drawings in pencil before February Half Term.

Ella and myself attended the awards evening, where we got to explore the display of A Level art work that consisted of Drawings, Paintings, Textiles, Photography, Design, 3D, New Media and Fashion. Each individual category was judged both by members of the staff at UoN and people in the industry.

A number of schools had lots of entries, including Wellingborough School, Kimbolton School, Weavers, NSG, NSB and many more schools from Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties. Ella was our only candidate to enter from Wollaston.

There was a large number of work on display and Ella’s were mixed in with other beautifully drawn work.

Ella won first prize in the drawing category, winning £500 and beating pupils from Wellingborough School and Kettering. She was really overwhelmed by this and couldn’t believe that she won the category after seeing some of the other work.

We stayed and watched as more students won the other categories. Then came the big end award, The Faculty Arts, Science and Technology Prize for the Most Outstanding Submission. Ella was in complete shock when they read out her name, stating “You can’t be serious, seriously?”. This award means that the Art department is awarded £500 also.

Both Ella and myself went up to collect this award from the Dean of the faculty. Who almost dropped the glass award. After the closing date for A Level remarks, Ella’s art work will be available for display at both Wollaston and UoN.

I think we can say a big Well Done to Ella for her amazing work and how lucky Aberystwyth University will be to have her on their Fine Art course next year.

Mrs N Hawkins

Head of Art