Just two months into their A Level course, Sixth Form Art History pupils stood in front of an audience and judges to deliver detailed analyses of artworks and their artists – the first stage of an annual national competition, Articulation, for 16- to 19-year-olds from across the UK.

Tackling themes such as gender, colonialism, and bipolar disorder, 12 pupils each gave a concise five-minute presentation on a chosen work of art, architecture, or an artefact in a museum or gallery, showing off skills of both critiquing and public speaking, as well as a love of academic investigation while sharing knowledge with others.

For 2025’s Westminster round, judges were Dr Joost Joustra, Research Fellow at The Centre for Arts & the Sacred at King’s College London, and Gracie Oddie James OW, playwright, actress, and former Westminster Art History pupil. Having observed all 12 entries, gave feedback before selecting the top three, commending on the critical approaches used, delivery, pacing, and vocal grounding.

Sofia (Sixth Form, DD) secured first place with her presentation on Claude Cahun’s I am in training don’t kiss me (self-portrait) from 1927. She unpacked the nuanced black and white photograph in which the French surrealist uses masculine and feminine traits, theatrics, and symbolism to express identity. Sofia highlighted Cahun’s bravery in challenging norms, both as an artist and as a freedom fighter opposing the Nazi regime. She impressed the judges with her ability to put the audience at ease, asking key questions at the outset and presenting a clear structure and goal. Sofia said: “The most liberating art form is the art of becoming. The conversations Cahun started in the 1920s about autonomy and identity are the very same conversations we are having today. Her work proves these are not modern trends, but enduring human struggles.”

Grey Coat pupils Chloe and Oboratarhe were awarded second and third place for their presentations on Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer of Fourteen Years (1880–81, cast c.1922) and Tracey Emin’s My Bed (1998). Chloe illuminated the darker realities of ballerinas in 19th century Paris, facing predatory behaviour and abuse, while Oboratarhe examined Emin’s controversial and evocative unmade bed, which became a media sensation at the 1999 Turner Prize. Other presentations covered a rich diversity of artists spanning nearly 400 years, from Johannes Vermeer’s The Little Street (c.1657–58) to JMW Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire (1838), Ceri Richards’ Blossom (1965), and El Anatsui’s Behind the Red Moon (2023).

Sofia now advances to the next round on 8 January 2026 at the National Army Museum.

After the competition, Dr Joustra said: “Articulation instils something much deeper, beyond academic skills. For these young people, the personal connection to a work of art will stay with them for life, and will grow over time.”

Every year, pupils from two of Westminster’s partner schools, Grey Coat Hospital and Westminster Harris Sixth Form are taught arts and humanities by Westminster teachers, including art history. They also take part in the great wealth of co-curricular opportunities that the Westminster promotes. Many of Westminster’s art historians have gone on to study the subject at university, and some – like 2024’s Articulation judge, Katy Hessel – have developed their careers in the field.