By Isle of Wight Observer
Year 6 pupils, from Church of England schools across the Island, helped create a striking art installation at Portsmouth Cathedral as part of this year’s leavers’ services.
Children painted birds, animals, and insects, each one carrying a handwritten prayer, which were then suspended from the cathedral’s balconies and walls. The pieces formed a colourful display celebrating nature and faith.
The installation was part of a week of activities for 11-year-olds from 33 Church of England schools across south-east Hampshire and the Island, who visited the cathedral for a special leavers’ services held from July 8 to 11.
Visits included morning workshops, where pupils explored the cathedral, made wire dragonflies, joined in singing sessions, and created items such as school banners and prayer pyramids.
Island schools taking part included Oakfield Primary in Ryde, where pupils Tilly Cooper and Theo Davey enjoyed the art project and helped design their new school banner. Tilly said: “I liked creating the wire dragonfly and seeing the butterfly I made hanging in the cathedral.”
Children also had the chance to meet the Bishop of Portsmouth, Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, and his Labrador, Bonnie, who appeared during two of the services.
