Primary school leavers create art installation at cathedral

The artwork marks the annual Year 6 Leavers’ Celebration Days from June 16 to June 20, for pupils marking the end of their primary school education.

Organised by the Diocese of Winchester’s education team as part of the Triwonder schools project, the installation consists of multiple ribbons adorned with thousands of cardboard animals.

Each of these animals represents land, sea, or air and has been handmade by pupils across the diocese.

The artwork marks the annual Year 6 Leavers’ Celebration Days. (Image: Diocese of Winchester) Each one has been handmade by pupils across the diocese who have also written a short prayer on each of their creations.

The Triwonder project focuses on caring for God’s creation.

It encourages children to focus on the nature and creatures that are on their doorstep, from the patterns on rocks to the texture of a butterfly’s wings.

Throughout the year, pupils have participated in activities, workshops and artwork centred around creation and the world around us.

The leavers’ celebrations will see 500 children attending each day at Winchester Cathedral.

The event will include a morning of workshops on the cathedral grounds, followed by an afternoon service led by either the Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, or the Bishop of Southampton, Rhiannon King.

The Leavers’ Days are an important moment for school pupils, with many recalling the event fondly in years to come.

Each of the animals have been handmade by pupils across the diocese. (Image: Diocese of Winchester) Last year, pupils created a sea of clay figures that stood in Winchester Cathedral for a week.

Diocese director of education, Jeff Williams, said: “These installations have become increasingly creative and are incredibly popular with the children, many of whom bring their families to see the completed work in the days and weeks following the services.

“The installations have drawn appreciative comments from tourists and worshippers visiting the cathedral, as well as visiting teachers who replicate the ideas in their own schools and dioceses.

“The installations provide a platform for the wider public to see the incredible way that our church schools bring Christian values, vision and understanding to young people, families and parishes.”

The Leavers’ Days at Winchester Cathedral run from Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, while the art installation will be on display from Saturday, June 14 to Monday, June 30.

Similar events are taking place at Portsmouth Cathedral and Christchurch Priory.