Year 9 Reflect on an Inspiring Turner Prize Experience

This last term, our Year 9 students enjoyed an inspiring and insightful talk from the curators of the Turner Prize. The visiting speakers shared their roles, experiences and professional perspectives, offering students a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential awards in contemporary art. Their generosity and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated by staff and students alike. 

The talk formed part of Year 9’s preparation for their upcoming art trip, during which they explored the history of the Turner Prize, including its most controversial winners and nominations. Students engaged in thoughtful discussions and responded with maturity and curiosity, demonstrating a growing understanding of how contemporary art challenges, provokes and shapes public conversations. 

Subject Lead Mrs Hardcastle reflected, “The talk from the curators enriched our students’ understanding in a way the classroom alone can’t replicate. Their discussions showed real curiosity and critical thinking.” 

Later in the term, our Year 9 art classes visited the Turner Prize Exhibition in Bradford. The trip allowed students to see the featured works first-hand and to connect their classroom learning with real-world practice. Thanks to the curators’ earlier guidance, students arrived equipped with valuable context about the runners-up and the 2025 winner, enriching their experience of the exhibition. 

Headteacher Mrs Roberts praised the students’ engagement, saying, “This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to broaden their understanding of contemporary art. I was incredibly proud of the thoughtful questions they asked and the interest they showed throughout the term.” 

It was a memorable term for Year 9, marked by strong engagement, lively debate and a deepening appreciation for contemporary art.