ART SCHOLARS ANNOUNCED

After a long process that included an interview, an assessed portrait and scrutiny over their portfolios, Shrewsbury is happy to announce seven brand new art scholars for 2020.

In receiving their award, Yoyo (Year 10), Neat and Pete (Year 11), Wendy and Bhu (Year 12) and Lucy and Elizabeth (Year 13) have been given the honour of representing the creative arts at Shrewsbury; a prestigious opportunity indeed given the Art Department’s reputation and a legacy that now includes no less 18 Top in the World Awards at GCSE, AS and A level.

With over 20 applications, the task of shortlisting was difficult. However, the portfolio review and portrait assessment yielded a shortlist of seven candidates for interview, and when Head of Art, Ms. Valerie McCubbin and Mr. Millar, Head of Senior School had a chance to sit down with the budding artists and listen to their passion for the subject, they ultimately decided that all seven were worthy of the prize.

Above: Our newly-announced Art Scholars receive their awards from Mr. Millar and Head of Art, Ms McCubbin

Mr. Millar spoke of his admiration for the candidate’s honesty and confidence in the interview process.

“Not one scholar mentioned that they were worthy because of grades and nor did any mention syllabus or curriculum. They all expressed their love for art and artistic expression,” he said.

“We wanted to give these scholarships to students who show a true desire and passion for continuing art beyond Shrewsbury and all of them conveyed that message to Ms. McCubbin and I without being pressed - so that was really pleasing”.

As part of the scholarship, students will be given a voice going forward on the direction of how art at Shrewsbury is displayed at school and agency when hosting any possible exhibitions at the school. We also hope that student creations will remain a prominent feature in Yearbooks and other literature in the months and years to come.

For many of the students the honour will be a boon for their university applications as tertiary institutions will be interested to hear from students who have impressed to this extent.

We all look forward to seeing what our ideas and creations they bring to life in 2020 and beyond!