14 years old Brockley student beats over 500 entries in photography competition

BY IZZY WIGHTMAN
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A 14-year-old from South London has beat over 500 entries from across the country to win a photography competition.

Issa Berohou, a pupil at Newlands Academy in Brockley, won the Judge’s Favourite category of the competition that asked students to take a photograph exploring what the phrase better lives means to them.

More than 500 images were submitted by students from 160 schools across the UK, and the winners were divided into five categories: Better Economy, Better Education, Better Environment; Better Health; and Better Relationships.

But Issa defeated all other entrants to win the Judge’s Favourite and was runner-up in the Better Education category, with his photo showing a young chemist surrounded by bottles, jars and concoctions.

Issa called his photograph Alchemy project.

He said: “The image captures the new and future generation of chemists and the learning process which transforms not just individuals and societies, but also humanity as a whole.

“Learning is a creative process through which our curiosity leads to improvements in our human condition.”

The contest was organised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and the editor of ESRC’s Society Now magazine, Nick Stevens, chose Issa’s photo as the winning image.

Professor Jennifer Rubin, executive chairwoman of ESRC said: “There were some brilliant entries to this year’s ESRC photo competition.

“My congratulations to all of our prize winners, who displayed a breadth of social science research and have helped to show how social science can contribute across a number of areas from the economy to the environment.”

Gareth Howells, Principal at Newlands Academy in Stuart Road, Nunhead, said: “We are all tremendously proud of Issa winning an award at the Better Lives photography competition.

“The photograph of Jay in Year 8 on a school visit to Richmond Park Lodge really captures the spirit of exploring a new place to learn and being able to interact with the experience.

“Not only is the photograph beautifully framed, Issa has managed to capture Jay’s sense of joy and curiosity in the moment.

“Hicham Jabrane, our child psychotherapist, has been a massive supporter of using photography to encourage our students to express themselves and we must publicly thank him.

“Issa has shown a real flair for photography and we hope this award continues to inspire him.”

Issa was awarded £50 in vouchers at an awards ceremony held at London’s Espacio gallery at the end of March.