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Date Published: 29/04/2026

'They have to use their phones in a positive and creative way': Art students continue to wow with their photography and English skills

Expat TA Jane Murphy has been running the scheme for two years now, and has seen success in her students’ motivation, creativity and English ability

For the second year running, the Las Claras del Mar Menor bilingual high school in Los Alcázares has run a photography competition for its first-year secondary students that aims to “encourage students to use their mobile phones in a positive and creative way,” according to teaching assistant Jane Murphy.

“I work alongside Jesús Pérez Rosique in the Art Department, where we recently organised a photography competition for our first-year secondary students,” said Jane, who also ran last year’s competition.

“The brief invited them to capture an image of a place in the Region of Murcia that inspires them or with which they feel a personal connection.”

One winner was selected from each class, and Jane says that she and Jesús, as judges, “were truly impressed by the level of effort, creativity and thought demonstrated throughout”.

“The students produced a wonderful collection of images that beautifully reflect both their perspectives and the unique character of our region.”

The winning students’ work, along with their own reflections on what inspired their photographs, are below. Well done to all involved!

1. Martina López (1A)

“Hi! My name is Martina López. I’m in first year in Las Claras del Mar Menor. I took this photo of Los Alcázares on a beach where I go with my parents. I love this photo because it reminds me of the autumn because of it colours. It’s where I spend time with my parents and I have fun memories there.”

2. Rocio Murcia Meroño (1B)

“Hi! My name is Rocio Murcia Meroño. I am in the first year of secondary school in Las Claras del Mar Menor. I took this photo of the mountainous area in the Regional park of Calblanque. I like this place because when I was a child I went there every the weekend. I go there with my father and brother. It’s so special to me because it brings back very good memories.”

3. Lucía Villalobos Carrasco (1C)

“Hello! My name is Lucía Villalobos Carrasco. I am in 1st C of ESO at Las Claras del Mar Menor. I took this photo of the boat at Carrión Beach. It is in Los Alcázares. I like my photo because it reminds me of summer days and all the different things I do on that beach with my family and friends.”

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