A NATRE project to link creativity with Religious Education for schools
Themes for the NATRE 'Art in Heaven' competition 2009
| Theme | For the teacher | For the pupil |
Mystery! |
This theme is about the ultimate questions or mysteries of life. Don’t let pupils think of any old mystery here – encourage them to get into the biggest and most spiritual mysteries they can think of. When it comes to the artwork the mystery may be simply expressed in simple images, or more complex. Winners will express a deep mystery in image and words with real insight of their own, connecting religion and life. | Life is full of spiritual mysteries. Why are we here? What are we for? Where do we come from? Where do we go? How do we know? Religions all have mysteries. Sometimes they suggest answers to the mysteries too. Create a work of art about your ideas on the theme of mystery. |
Open Minded! |
This is a theme about community cohesion. RE is really good at enabling pupils to think outside of the box. Being open minded is a value almost everyone admires – no-one wants to be a bigot. But it’s not often that you meet someone who really is open minded & sees every other viewpoint, religious or atheist, as it is. | Everybody likes being open minded – but what does it mean? All religions teach openness, but they don’t always practise it! Create an image about being big hearted, broad minded and living together with people you disagree with. Different religions can co-operate. Show our judges your ideas about the open mind in pictures and words. |
Life Is Sacred |
For some learners this theme will give them the chance to say what they love about life: what makes their life special or holy? Others might focus on the ethics of life at birth and death. Why is life priceless? This theme may look as if it will appeal to ethics students 14-19, but younger pupils have much to say about the value of a human life too. | Priceless holy and sacred – that’s human life. What makes a baby a symbol for hope, a sign of joy? What is the special dignity of old age? Why are choices about life and death so hard, and so important? Religions have lots to say about life as a precious gift. Design and make your work of art to show your own views and questions about the holiness of life |
Justice for Everyone |
This theme is about how religions and belief systems seek justice for all people. Good work will express clearly a link between faith and action, between the teaching of sacred texts and a modern problem, or between prayer for peace and action for peace. | Fairness matters! Seeking justices is difficult. You might show a faith-based charity in action: Islamic Relief, Christian Aid or one of many others can be your inspiration. Or maybe you want to reflect your own hopes for a just world in a striking symbol or a powerful image. |
Who is God? |
In this theme, pupils are invited to think about God as they see him – or her. Some stories from faith communities answer this question. Many pupils will have their own idea. Winning work in this area will express an insight into these kinds of question: what is God like? How do we know? How does God show us who he is? Mix faith and doubt with theology and philosophy in paint, collage or video. | Who is God? What do you think? Is God a person like us, or completely different? What image will express your ideas? Atheists and agnostics may say ‘God is nobody’ or ‘God is a person no one knows’ Different religions say some things similar and some different about God’s identity. What do you have to say about this, and how will you express it artistically? |
Notes on entering the 2009 Art in Heaven Competition |
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For 2009, there are special categories for digital video and for group entries. We especially welcome entries from 16-19 students in FE colleges and sixth forms |
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Making your entries:
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Send your entries to:
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Entries from teachers: we are happy to accept art work created by teachers for the competition. We think it is good practice to model learning for pupils yourself, and any teacher who feels creative and wants to make an entry is invited to send one in addition to the 8 submitted from the school. Please mark these entries clearly – but not necessarily with your age. |
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Prompts for pupils' writing (Pupils might use a selection of these. Adapt freely for different age groups and in any way suitable): In my 'Art in Heaven' work, I have shown… |
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Spirited Arts is run by the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education with RE Today Services.