Highfields pupils head to music festival

Enthusiastic students from years 9 and 10 created a display themed ‘Creatures of the Forest’ as a backdrop in the refreshments marquee of the Ashley Hay Festival during May 4 and 5 bank holiday weekend.

Using different techniques, the 11 students – who have been working on their creations since Christmas at a weekly after school club – came up with a variety of creations for the display, including a tree, owl, wolf’s head, hedgehogs, squirrels, toadstools, a snail, fairies, and even a peacock’s tail.

The club has been so successful they have started to sell their creations, with any profits being used to buy materials for the club. Tie dye T-shirts, key rings, and purses made from recycled fabric are all available to buy from the students.

Mary MacDonald, who runs the club, said: “I can’t praise these students enough. Their enthusiasm, talent and enterprising attitude make our club so enjoyable and it is wonderful to see their work displayed at this folk festival where members of the public will be able to enjoy it too. They are a fantastic bunch of young people and I love working with them. And the club couldn’t run without the help of our art textile A level student, Hannah Watson.”