The children at Grace Darling Primary have been creating beautiful works of art as part of the Spirited Arts Competition 2025.
This is a national competition run by NATRE (National Association of Teachers of RE). In this competition, pupils are encouraged to respond to a spiritual theme (All God’s Creatures) through art.
2-Year-Old-Provision Caterpillars: “God made us all” (On the window of Headteacher’s Office)
Nursery: “The Butterfly Lifecycle” (On the wall outside Dragonflies classroom)
Dragonflies and Reception: “God’s Garden 0 mini beasts through mini eyes” (Outside Dragonflies’ classroom)
The Reception and Dragonflies classes have embraced God’s creation by appreciating the beauty of mini beasts and transforming stones into vibrant artwork, highlighting the importance of all creatures. Through sensory activities like crafting a proggy mat, the children have show cased their creativity and curiosity, demonstrating how small efforts can positively impact nature.
Year 1: “One’s Wonderful Woven Whale and Snail” (On wall opposite SENDCO’s office)
Year 1 children participated in a creative art project called “One’s Wonderful Woven Whale and Snail” as part of the Spiritual Arts project. They collaboratively made a large woven whale and a small snail to celebrate animals’ beauty and importance. The project linked to their art curriculum by helping them use various materials and techniques. The whale symbolised strength and reflection, while the snail highlighted the value of even small creatures. Through this, students learned teamwork, fine motor skills and the significance of care and compassion for all living beings. The final creations serve as a reminder of God’s love for all creatures.
Year 2: “What a Wonderful World!” (On the wall in the Library)
Year 3: “Sea and Believe” (Hanging in the Library)
Year 3 students at Grace Darling C of E Primary School created a project called “Sea and Believe,” connecting with their coastal town’s history and recent dolphin sightings. Dolphins have positively influenced the community and brought people together, sparking the children’s interest in discussing these encounters. In their Art lessons, students made fish using fabric and applied techniques inspired by Matisse’s collage style to create dolphin artworks.
They explored the spiritual connection between Christianity and dolphins, identifying them as symbols of God’s grace, guidance and resurrection. The project involved writing key spiritual words in fabric, culminating in a collective artwork that reflects the hope dolphins bring and the bond between the school and community.
Year 4: “Tiny Creatures, BIG purpose” (Outside Assistant Headteacher’s Office)
Year 4 students participated in the Spirited Arts competition with a display themed “All God’s Creatures” inspired by the Biblical creation story in Genesis. They focused on important land and air creatures like butterflies, bees and snails – celebrating their beauty and roles in nature. The children created mosaics as their art medium, designing unique pieces with bold colours and patterns, which reflected their understanding of the purpose of each creature in the harmony of life. These artworks formed a large collaborative display, symbolising the importance of every life. The project deepened their appreciation for nature and emphasised the need to care for the environment and all living things.
Year 5: “Big Fish, Little Fish, Cardboard Box” (On the wall outside Year 5 Classroom)
Year 5 pupils were inspired by the Bible verse “Let the fish in the sea inform you” making us think about what we can learn from nature and the oceans. Our students created the artwork “Big Fish Little Fish Cardboard Box”, using recycled materials to remind us to care for our environment and to show that even waste can be used to make something beautiful. The piece encourages people to observe nature and understand it’s messages. All God’s creatures matter, and if we stop to notice them – they can teach us how to live in harmony with the world!
Year 6: “Created to Soar” (On the wall outside Year 6 Classroom)
Year 6 pupils created this magnificent piece of art with great care. The question in all of their minds was “How do birds show God’s beauty in the world?” and each individual piece reflects the thoughtful responses that have inspired the art. Come and explore our stunning Spirited Arts display which is inspired by the beauty and variety of birds from across the globe. This year, we focused on how birds reflect the creativity, colour and imagination of God’s design. From tropical parrots, to soaring eagles – each artwork celebrated the wonder of creation. We hope you are inspired to look at nature in a new way – with awe, curiosity and gratitude.
Is your child in Year 6? Duke’s Secondary is holding an Open Evening on the 25th September between 4-6pm.
