Twenty-five Year 10 and 11 students from the Y School recently showcased their work at the Now I Own exhibition, at the Council House Gallery.
Each student selected their preferred creative medium such as documentary making, ink drawing, or painting, producing a final project that was a true reflection of their unique creative journey.
Throughout the process, students were encouraged to experiment with a range of mediums, including collage, spoken word, and abstract art. This freedom to explore allowed them to develop their own unique styles while working in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Teachers Kylie and Alex played a crucial role in guiding students. Kylie said, “This exploration is pivotal in helping young people find their authentic voice, unlocking the key to their future success in flourishing as well-rounded individuals—mind, body, and spirit.”
The program has proven to be a favourite among students at Y School, who have found it to be inspiring and personally transformative.
One student shared, “this program has been very helpful in making me come back to school because I look forward to each session. I particularly enjoyed collaborating with one of my classmates on our final project together.
It also makes me talk to people and classmates that I wouldn’t normally talk to. It gives me a lot of freedom and I didn’t have to follow a set of curriculum or conform to a particular creative style.”
Another student added, “I love this program, and I’ve learned a lot more than at any other school. I feel proud of what I’ve achieved here. Creativity helps me work at a pace that I'm comfortable with. This helps me socialise and interact with others.”
Through this project, the students learnt that creativity thrives when they are free to express their ideas, experiment with new mediums, and share their unique voices with the world. Whether through visual art, spoken word, or storytelling, each student discovered a new way to communicate their personal experiences and perspectives.
The Now I Own exhibition is more than an artistic showcase - it’s a powerful reminder of the value of creativity in education. The work displayed is not just about artistic ability, but about students finding their voices and building confidence through creative expression.
Congratulations to all Y School students and teachers for this remarkable achievement!