Our Year 6 students are buzzing with excitement after an incredible sweep of honours at the recent Independent Education Union’s (IEU) Awards for Excellence in Art Design for students from Queensland and the Northern Territory. Abhisri P, Aarjun G, and Lucy B each received High Commendations for their unique “Friends” artworks. And in a truly outstanding moment, Abhisri was awarded the prestigious Harriet Hunter Memorial Award—her artwork chosen as the best piece across all winning entries from Pre-school to Year 12!
Featuring the exaggerated perspective of tall buildings rising to the sky, three friends use string and cans to talk with each other. Abhisri’s proud dad, Adrian, commented that “friends will always find a way to talk to each other despite physical or technical limitations!” Abhisri's use of basic drawing materials, clever concept, and simple message proved a winning choice.
Now, under the guidance of teacher aide (and student teacher), Miss Stephanie Scott, the class is preparing for their next challenge: the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest, themed “Together as One.”
Miss Scott is keeping the pressure on and the standard high. “Tomorrow might be a student-free day—but it’s not a holiday. I expect you to get your drafts done ASAP so you can power out these artworks!” she said last Thursday.
Both the ask and the task will be challenging. While every student will submit an entry (because it contributes to their final Visual Arts grade), only one piece will be selected from the entire Year 6 cohort. A Brisbane Lions Club member will judge the piece that represents our College in the international competition.
How did this class—working, learning, and enjoying Visual Arts with their inspiring young trainee teacher—become so ambitious? Earlier this year, Miss Scott encouraged them to enter the IEU competition while finishing their regular art assignments. The theme was “Friends,” and 26 students voluntarily took part, experimenting with creative ways to represent friendship.
“We tried to get a bit wild about the ways we could represent the idea of friendship,” Miss Scott explained.
Out of more than 330 submissions from school students across Australia, the work of three BAC artists made it to the finals in their division.
With their confidence boosted, their imaginations on fire, and their fingertips tingling, Year 6 continues to prove that passion, creativity, and teamwork can take you far—as far as the international stage!
Photos: Artwork from the three Year 6 winners. Click on any image to forward through and view all photos.
