Capturing the essence of nature at Pocklington School

In celebration of National Science Week, a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Pocklington School’s Biology Department held a Senior School photography competition, aptly titled ‘Nature’, which received an overwhelming number of high-quality entries from pupils and staff.

The competition was designed to form links between the intricate beauty of the natural world, the importance of science in daily life and the creativity within the Pocklington School community.

The competition was divided into four categories: Lower School, Middle School, Sixth Form and Staff, allowing individuals to showcase their unique perspectives of nature through the lens of their cameras. A panel of judges from Pocklington Camera Club lent their expertise to award a winner and two runners-up for each category and expressed their admiration for the quality and creativity of entries.

Alex McGregor, Chair of Pocklington Camera Clubm commented: “We were impressed by the number and quality of the entries across all the various age groups. Technical ability is one thing, but having the eye for what makes a good photograph is something that is more natural and harder to teach. Both were demonstrated in the entries for this competition. From the fantastic winner from the Lower School section with a well framed and pin sharp photo of bees, to the technically excellent close-up photo of caterpillars in the Staff section, which would not be out of place on the front cover of the National Geographic. Well done to all who entered and we hope to see more of the same in the future.”

Pupils, parents and staff were welcomed to an exhibition in the School Library to celebrate all the stunning entries. 

Headmaster, Toby Seth, announced the age group winners, followed by the presentation of prizes by Laura Lilley, teacher of biology and competition co-ordinator. All category winners were awarded a £25 Amazon voucher and runners-up received Easter eggs.

Speaking at the prize presentation Laura Lilley said: “I was truly overwhelmed not just by the sheer number of entries, but by the quality and depth of thought put into each photograph. Thank you to everyone who participated, to Pocklington Camera Club for their invaluable support and expertise, and congratulations to our winners and runners-up.”

To see a full list of prize winners and their entries, please click here.