Year 12 Sculpture Competition

Sacred Heart is proud to be acting as the central hub for an exciting new cross‑school arts initiative titled Flora and Fauna Under Threat in London. Building on the success of the Lost Wax for Lost Species project two years ago, we are now collaborating with other schools to bring this creative opportunity to a wider group of students.

Our Year 12 Design & Technology students will work through the traditional lost-wax casting process, with the final outcome being a competition in which the strongest designs will be cast as bronze sculptures at a local foundry. The project is coordinated by Bernie Rickinson and delivered in partnership with UAL’s Chelsea College of Art and the Worshipful Company of Founders.

The launch session took place at our school on 29 January, led by sculptor Abigail Burt. Five of our Year 12 D&T students were joined by six students from Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School and five students from the City of London School for Girls. During this session, students developed their initial wax models inspired by endangered species found across London.

A follow‑up workshop was held on 12 February at Cardinal Vaughan, where UAL staff reviewed the wax sculptures to ensure they were suitable for casting. The staff were very impressed with the quality of the work and encouraged our Year 12 to enhance the surface textures of their pieces.

Once completed, the selected bronze sculptures and accompanying storyboards will be displayed at various locations across London to raise public awareness of species under threat. The project offers students a unique chance to broaden their understanding of metalworking, collaborate with peers from other schools, build confidence, and enrich their creative portfolios.

The project will conclude with a showcase and judging event at UAL, where families, teachers and guests will be invited to celebrate the students’ achievements.