Talented primary school children at Gossey Lane Academy study, create and display art for their annual exhibition

Elevating art alongside academic subjects is a priority at Gossey Lane Academy. “We are a creative, inclusive and community-focused school” explained Mrs Green. “We integrate art as a key subject as it allows us to introduce several important learning lessons, including: self-expression and the ability to present ideas both verbally and physically. Of course, art also adds real colour to our classrooms all year round! ”

Each year group was given its own exhibition date during February, a focus artist, and a specific way to display their work. This format means that, as the children move through the school and take part each year, they are exposed to different art-based opportunities. For 2026, they were allocated Marta Dyer Smith(Year 1); Yayoi Kusama (Year 2); L S Lowry (Year 3); Paul Cézanne (Year 4); Pablo Picasso (Year 5).

Rui, Year 2: “I liked showing my Mum all of the work I created. She was really proud of me! I told her about Yayoi Kusama and the different colours and patterns she uses for her art.”

Gossey Lane’s Year 6 children were able to choose from a selection of renowned environmental artists and encouraged to consider different kinds of environmental impacts before they created their own 3D table-top representations. With a focus on ocean pollution, the pupils used a mix of recycled materials to create their installations, in the style of many key environmental artists. They also spoke clearly and convincingly about their chosen messages and the artistic aspects of their work.

Liam, Year 6: “I enjoyed being able to share my artwork with my parents and other parents. I felt good sharing my art and seeing other people share theirs and I learned new skills like confidence and teamwork, and about pollution and environmental artists.”

Lily-May, Year 6: “We as a world are not looking after our planet, not only that but we are endangering animals, sea animals and that is what our art pieces represent. Pieces that have sea life dying or trapped and our art was really good. I liked that the hall was decorated with nets with rubbish everywhere and a little sand part which represents sea life. What I loved about the art pieces is that they showed emotion, it brought a story. I also love the way people brought it to life differently to others.”

A vital part of the annual art exhibition initiative is the direct involvement of the children’s parents and carers. They actively participate in many aspects of the work, from discussing ideas, gathering resources, and supporting the children – right through to visiting the final exhibitions – the culmination of a highly successful, collaborative, community approach.

Sarah Healey, parent: “I think being involved in my children’s art event is brilliant. As a parent I get to see what they are learning about in lessons and how they create their interpretation of it. Also I see how my children really enjoy sharing their work with us and how proud they are. Whenever they do something at home they cannot wait to show the teachers. These classes are of huge benefit to the children and we parents love to be involved in them.”

Headteacher, Mrs Sarah Amin said , “I am so proud of our talented children, and would like to thank Mrs Green, and all our devoted staff, for creating such wonderful opportunities for them to showcase their fabulous work. I am delighted that this has been supported by our families and thank them all for their continued support. This collaborative approach hugely benefits the children and it’s something that the school is committed to for future projects.”