Two students from Agora Sant Cugat International School have been recognised at an international level in the Globeducate Arts Competition, standing out among thousands of young people from Globeducate schools around the world.
Mila Villanueva, aged 15, achieved first place in the Photography Category for Baccalaureate students (ages 15 to 18) and Lara, Lola and Lara, aged 6 & 7, achieved third place in the Sculpture and 3D Art for Lower Primary students (ages 5 to 7) in this annual competition which brings together students from the age of 5 to 18 across Globeducate’s worldwide network of schools.
The Globeducate Art Competition gives students the opportunity to take part in a shared international initiative and become inspired by the creativity of peers in different countries and cultures. This year’s competition invited students to respond to the theme, A Universal Voice, encouraging them to explore communication, empathy, connection and global citizenship through disciplines such as painting, poetry, photography, performing arts, 3D art, drawing and sculpture.
Mila Villanueva, together with Lara P., Lola M. and Lara N., impressed the international judging panel with the emotional impact and depth of interpretation shown in their artwork.
For Mila, taking part in the Globeducate Arts Competition was about far more than winning first prize. She developed her photograph during the MYP5 Visual Arts unit, Art as a Universal Voice – Photography, an eight-week project in which students explored how images can communicate powerful ideas related to peace, justice and fairness across cultures and borders.
Throughout the unit, Mila focused on understanding photography as a form of visual communication, learning how composition, light, perspective and symbolism shape meaning. Inspired by photographers such as Sebastião Salgado and Chema Madoz, she experimented with black-and-white photography and visual metaphors, reflecting on how everyday scenes and objects can convey deeper social messages connected to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
As part of her creative process, Mila analysed the visual language used in Amnesty International posters, exploring how powerful imagery raises awareness of human rights, inequality and peace. This research helped her refine her creative decisions and encouraged her to think more deeply about representation, symbolism and emotional impact, as well as how a single photograph can communicate a clear and universal message.
When the results were announced, Mila described feeling “very surprised and really proud”, explaining that the experience motivated her to continue creating and to believe in her artistic voice. Participating in an international competition helped her gain confidence and recognise the value of sharing her work beyond the classroom. Since completing the unit, Mila is considering continuing her studies along an artistic or performing arts pathway in the future.
For Lara, Lola and Lara, taking part in the competition was also about much more than the final result. Through this project, they explored how art can communicate ideas, emotions and values beyond words, linking their learning to the concept of justice. Reflecting on how artists use their work to express powerful messages and inspire positive change, they designed a meaningful three-dimensional artwork: a sculpture depicting two girls from different countries painting peace on a canvas.
When the results were announced, they were speechless and could hardly believe it! They jumped up and down with huge smiles, amazed and incredibly proud to know their work had been selected.
Each year, the Globeducate Arts Competition receives thousands of entries submitted at school level, with only a small number selected for international recognition. Winning and highly commended works are showcased across the Globeducate network, celebrating creativity, originality and the student voice.
“We are extremely proud of Mila’s achievement. This award reflects not only her talent, but also the depth of learning behind her work. Projects like this demonstrate how the arts help students develop critical thinking, global awareness and a strong personal voice. Providing opportunities to connect learning with real-world contexts and an international audience lies at the heart of an IB education,” said Leticia, her Visual Arts teacher.
Reflecting on the younger students’ experience, their Art teacher added, “Their reaction was the cutest and the excitement on their faces made all the hard work behind this project worth it! This year’s theme was a real challenge but they tackled it so well! This experience helped them grow not only as artists, but also as thoughtful and reflective creators.” said their Art teacher.
This achievement reflects Agora Sant Cugat International School’s commitment to nurturing creativity and confidence, while offering students meaningful opportunities to connect with a wider global community. Through Globeducate, students are encouraged to see themselves as part of an international learning network where their ideas and talents are valued far beyond the classroom.
This achievement reflects Agora Sant Cugat International School’s commitment to nurturing creativity and confidence while offering students opportunities to connect with a wider global community. Through Globeducate, students are encouraged to see themselves as part of an international learning network where their ideas and talents are valued beyond the classroom.
