Spirited Arts 2025 – Exploring Big Ideas Through Art, Faith & Wonder!

22nd July 2025Fran Davison

At James Knott, we believe that children’s thoughts and questions are powerful – and that
creativity is a wonderful way to explore them. This year, every single child in school, from our
youngest 2-year-olds all the way up to Year 6, took part in the Spirited Arts 2025
competition.

Spirited Arts is all about asking big questions and expressing big ideas through art. Children
across the school used paint, clay, drawing, collage and more to share what they believe,
feel and wonder about the world, themselves and something bigger.

What Did We Explore?

Each class focused on a special theme designed to spark deep thinking and creativity.
These themes helped children think about faith, belief, nature, and what makes us all
unique—and connected.

All God’s Creatures

Some children explored the beauty and wonder of animals and nature. Year 5 created
artwork celebrating the Earth and the amazing creatures we share it with, while Year 6
focused closely on one animal, drawing it in four different ways to show its strength, beauty,
and spirit. Our 2-year-olds also enjoyed this theme, using colours and textures to celebrate
the animals they love.

Living in a Diverse World

Nursery and Reception children thought about how we are all different – our families, our
homes, our beliefs – but we are also connected by love, kindness, and community. Their
artwork showed what it means to live, learn and grow together in a diverse world.

Sacred Spaces

In Years 1 and 2, children explored what makes a place feel special or sacred. Year 1
focused on symbols and feelings – what colours, shapes and details help us feel calm and
peaceful. Year 2 imagined peeking through a keyhole into a sacred space, sometimes a
place of worship, other times a quiet spot in nature. Their art captured that magical feeling of
stillness, safety and connection.

Thinking About God

Years 3 and 4 tackled some really big questions: What do you think about when you think of
the word “God”? Where is God? Is God a creator? Year 3 made beautiful clay models
inspired by these questions and the story of creation. Year 4 used colour, patterns and
symbols to explore the idea of God as Creator and the awe we feel when we look at nature
and the world around us.

What Is Spirituality?

This project wasn’t just about making art – it was about exploring spirituality.
For some children, spirituality means thinking about God or faith. For others, it’s about
nature, family, love or that feeling of peace you get in a special place. It’s about asking
questions like:

  • What matters most to me?
  • What makes me feel wonder or joy?
  • How do I connect with others or with the world?

Spirited Arts gave our children space to think deeply, share their beliefs, listen to each other
and express their ideas in creative and powerful ways. It was thoughtful, imaginative and full
of heart.

What Our Pupils Said:

“I think God might be like light—everywhere but different for everyone.” – Year 4
pupil

“This place is special because it makes me feel calm.” – Year 2 pupil

“My animal drawing shows that animals are important too, not just people.” –
Year 6 pupil

We’re incredibly proud of every child who took part. Their artwork shows how even our
youngest learners can reflect on life’s biggest questions – and how art, faith, and imagination
can come together in magical ways.

Christmas around the world

22nd December 2023Fran Davison

The children enjoyed learning about Christmas traditions around the world as they journeyed from one country to another throughout the day. Each group comprised of children from Reception to Year 6. We were so proud of all of the children who worked together and developed new friendships. The older children were amazing when supporting the younger children with their art and technology skills and everyone put their love in action so that an enjoyable day was had by all.

Carols and Crafts

21st December 2023Fran Davison

Thank you to everyone who came to share carols and crafts with their child. We hope that you enjoyed hearing the children sing and getting involved in school, making calendars and Christmas decorations.

The children loved having you in their classrooms and we were very proud of every child who took part. This year we tried something different so that all children were centre stage and involved in sharing the Christmas story through song and readings.

Mrs Mullen is delighted to say that for the first time, every child at James Knott had the confidence to join in this Christmas time. We look forward to the Nursery family Christmas sing-a-long and to our Christingle service on Thursday.

 

Provision for 2 Year Olds at James Knott

12th October 2023Fran Davison

NCEA James Knott Primary School Primary School and Northumberland Church of England  Academy Trust (NCEAT) are inviting consultation responses on a formal proposal to extend the age range of the school from 3 – 11 to 2 – 11, by creating a provision for two year olds in addition to  our existing nursery for 3 and 4 year olds.

James-Knott-C-of-E-Primary-School-2YO-Provision-Consultation.docx-1Download

James Knott C of E Primary School 2YO Provision Consultation.docx

School Games Bronze Mark Award for James Knott

21st July 2023Fran Davison
We are delighted to announce that we have achieved the School Games Bronze Mark Award for the 2022/23 academic year.
The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community, and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success.
Our sporting achievements this year include taking part in football tournaments, new age kurling and boccia competitions and lots of different sporting events such as gymnastics, skipping, rugby and multi-sports.
We are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made all of our competitions and events possible.
As part of our application, we were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and we are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year!