On Friday 28th February, Upper Sixth student Poppy Sendell took part in the London semi-final of the prestigious Articulation award, a national public speaking competition run by the Roche Court Educational Trust and the University of Cambridge.

Over 1,000 students have entered the Articulation competition this year. The competition gives students the opportunity to present an original talk on a work of art, architecture or an artefact. Poppy gave an outstanding talk on the painting Branded by Jenny Saville at the National Gallery. Dr James Fox, Art Historian, broadcaster and adjudicator for the competition was impressed by her analysis of Branded, and praised her for raising important themes about the portrayal of the female body in art.

The competition was tough, with students from several leading London schools presenting unique readings of works of art. Although Poppy did not get through to the final of the competition at Clare College, Cambridge in March, she gave an inspiring, thought-provoking presentation. The Art department is very proud of Poppy’s achievement and we hope the next round of Articulation in September is as successful for the next Upper Sixth group.

Miss Cottone (Deputy Head of Art)

Poppy, pictured fourth from left, with the other semi-finalists