Highlight of the Week

Pupils' art goes under the hammer

Budding artists from Year 11 have had their work displayed at one of Wales's leading art galleries this week.

The pupils' masterpieces were not only shown to the public, but also assessed as part of their GCSE examinations.

The three-day exhibition at the Washington Gallery, Penarth culminated on Friday 11 June with a show and silent auction.

This is the first time that the students' work has been displayed at a gallery as part of an examination process.

The work of the 21 Year 11 pupils was exhibited, including that of 16 year old Clara Gibbs from Penarth, who said: "We're extremely excited at the prospect of our work being shown at such a prestigious venue and hope that the assessor will be suitably impressed!"

The range of techniques including acrylic, oil, computer art and sculpture, focussing on the themes of portraiture and sense of place and will contribute 60% to the overall exam result.  Their exam work was also showcased, but the pupils will have to wait until later this summer to see how they have fared. 

Llandaff Cathedral School's Headmaster, Stephen Morris added: "This is the first time we have ever had our pupils' work exhibited and examined at the same time.  The quality of the art spoke for itself and is testament to all of Year 11's hard work.

"Who knows, one of them may go onto become a professional artist and will look back at this exhibition as the first time their work was viewed by the public."