As is now tradition, I am delighted to share the fantastic work that our students created this year for their final Middle School State Exam.
The starting point, as always, was the core theme chosen by each student for their oral exam. From there, everyone successfully wove a common thread connecting to the visual arts, sparking a personalized and empathetic dialogue with great artists and art movements.
This Year’s Challenge: Going Beyond Mere Copying
In 2026, the real pedagogical and artistic challenge is no longer just simple reproduction, but rather the ability to reflect on works of art critically and originally. Students had to absorb the masters’ lessons and then reinterpret them through their own sensitivity, using visual language to convey a strong, coherent message deeply tied to their exam topic.
The workflow followed a well-tested and effective formula:
- In class: Brainstorming, planning, discussing ideas, and starting the projects under my supervision.
- At home: Autonomous development and project completion, leaving plenty of room for each student’s expressive independence.
Here is an overview showcasing the different phases of our journey:
The Projects Presented at the Exam
In the final artworks shown below, the historical-artistic references immediately catch the eye. Compared to the past, a powerful sensitivity toward civic education and active citizenship emerged this year, a clear sign that our kids feel the need to express themselves regarding the urgent matters of the contemporary world. Naturally, there was no shortage of projects inspired by sports, science, geography, and crucial historical events.
During the oral exam, every student was able to discuss their artwork with great maturity, illustrating the interdisciplinary connections, their chosen artistic techniques, and the personal motivations that guided their entire creative process.
Well done, everyone!
