Young Artists from LVS Hassocks Win Regional Awards

Students at LVS Hassocks, an independent school in Sayers Common for young people with autism, are celebrating after two of the school’s budding young artists won awards in the Independent Schools Association’s London South Art Competition.

Isaac Elliot-Smith, 13, won the Key Stage 3 2D individual competition, with his colourful painting, entitled Bear, and Toby Neve, 15, scooped first place for his sculpture, The Surprise, in the Key Stage 3 3D individual category.

The London South competition has attracted over 300 entries from 24 schools, of which three schools, including LVS Hassocks, are SEN (special educational needs).

London South is one of seven Independent Schools Association (ISA) regions across the UK, and Isaac and Toby’s work will now be submitted to the National Finals, which are usually held in conjunction with the ISA’s Annual Autumn Study Conference, but this year will take place online in February 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Speaking on behalf of the school, which is a Centre of Excellence for Autism, headteacher Jen Weeks, commented; “As an SEN school, it’s a huge thrill to see two of our pupils compete and win in this mainstream competition. Isaac and Toby are worthy winners and we’re backing their outstanding work to go all the way at the nationals.”

Art is a popular and successful subject at LVS Hassocks, with all students completing either GCSE or BTEC Art qualification at the end of Key Stage 4. Students in the Sixth Form have the opportunity to go on to study Art at A-level. It is an ideal subject for students to express their creativity and communicate how they are feeling. LVS Hassocks enables students to produce work in a range of different formats from sculpture, ceramics and painting to computer generated designs. This is the first time that LVS Hassocks has entered the ISA Art Competition and work is already underway to prepare for the 2021 Art Competition.

London South region judge, Alison Smith, who has a wealth of experience both in teaching and as a professional artist, added; “We were overwhelmed by the quality of the work across the London South region this year, and we were delighted to announce Isaac and Toby as the respective winners of their categories and wish them all the best in the nationals.”

The ISA’s National Art Competition is held annually and enables independent schools to showcase their pupils’ art and for teachers to share best practice and ideas. Categories cover different age groups and genres, from 2D art, through to fashion and photography.

The ISA represents 550 schools nationwide.