Pupils’ creativity celebrated in Platform 25 art exhibition

Over 40 pieces of artwork by pupils in secondary schools and a sixth form across East Anglia go on display at an art exhibition in Michaelhouse Café, Cambridge.

Platform 25, this year’s instalment of our annual Platform Exhibition, involves over 60 pupils, from year 7 to sixth form, across our seven secondary schools and sixth form. Visitors to Michaelhouse Café can view the artworks between 10 to 22 November.

Two people are standing next to a tall wall which contains multiple artworks that has been hung on the wall.

Lesley Morgan, Initiator of the Platform Exhibition and Arts Development Manager at Anglian Learning, said, “Now in its fifth year, the Platform Exhibition has proven to be a highlight of the academic year, providing an important opportunity for colleagues across our schools to collaborate, discuss best practices and enhance their delivery of creative subjects.

“This project has been the inspiration of many other Trust-wide events, including the launch of a Primary Platform Exhibition due to take place next year”.

A woman who is wearing a green jumper is standing in front of a piece of artwork and smiling at the camera. The artwork is tomatoes painted in green, yellow and red.

Laura, a former pupil of Sawston Village College

Yvonne Grainger, Head of Art at Bottisham Village College, said, “It is always a pleasure to be part of the Platform Exhibition, from selecting pupils’ artwork, to spending time with colleagues hanging the artwork and admiring the talent on display. Not only does it empower pupils when their artwork is selected, but it also provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate pupils’ creative achievements”.

Four women are standing in front of artwork hung on a wall.

Heads of Art Laura Sharpe, Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport, Nicky Price, Bassingbourn Village College, Jodi Myles-Baker, Linton Village College and Yvonne Grainger, Bottisham Village College.

Duncan Cooper, Director of Secondary Education at Anglian Learning, said, “At Anglian Learning, we understand the importance of subjects like art in developing pupils’ creativity and confidence. I am deeply impressed by the exceptional quality of work this year and extend my gratitude to their teachers, whose dedication to art provides an enriching environment where creativity thrives, allowing pupils to be bold and expressive in their artistic journeys”.

Two artworks are hanging on a wall. One shows a young girl's face which she is pulling down. The other artwork shows a young girl screaming within a mobile phone screen.

The artwork on display covers a range of techniques and media, including painting and photography in both traditional and more abstract styles. The schools taking part include Bassingbourn, Bottisham, Linton and Sawston Village Colleges, Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport, Stour Valley Community School, The Netherhall School and The Oakes College, Cambridge.

A man is standing between two women smiling for a picture. The woman on the left is wearing a poncho and colourful skirt, the man is wearing a navy suit and blue tie, and the woman on the right is wearing a navy dress.

Yvonne Grainger, Head of Art at Bottisham Village College, Duncan Cooper, Director of Secondary Education and Lesley Morgan, Initiator of the Platform Exhibition and Arts Development Manager

On 10 November, a private view was held for the pupils, their families and members of the Trust to mark the official opening of the exhibition.

Two men are standing in front of artwork placed on a wall. They are both wearing black suits with red poppies attached to their left shoulder.

Ian Stoneham, Principal of Bassingbourn Village College and Jonathan Culpin, CEO

Joining the celebrations were musicians from Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport, who provided the perfect ambience with singing and musical instruments.

A boy wearing school uniform is playing the violin. He is standing behind a black music stand.

The Platform Art Exhibition started in 2019, with an exhibition held each year at Michaelhouse Café. The exhibition is part of Anglian Learning’s commitment to the arts and celebrating pupils’ creativity.