Coombeshead Academy students flock to embroidery workshop

Year 10 students from Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot, part of Education South West, flocked to a recent textile workshop where they hand stitched pictures of birds.

The Textiles students took part in the workshop at the Bovey Craft Festival this month, which was run by textile artist, Poppy Treffry.  The workshop consisted of a freehand embroidery session during which the students created a collection of birds that will feature in the GCSE coursework portfolio at this year’s summer show at CREATE. 

The school houses the CREATE Creative Arts Academy, which is home to specialist studios and teachers offering learning in an exciting range of creative courses.  CREATE offers Art & Design, Photography, Textiles, 3D Design and Graphics offering young people a doorway to a successful future in diverse and rewarding careers.

The Coombeshead students were specifically invited to attend the workshop due to the creative curriculum offered at the school and Coombeshead was the only school asked to take part.

Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy said: “I am delighted that our students were invited to take part in this exciting workshop thanks to the recognition of the strong focus we place on promoting the arts at Coombeshead.  It was a brilliant opportunity for our students to directly learn from successful, local creatives not only how to improve their artistic skills, but how to run a business.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the Bovey Craft Festival and to Poppy Treffy for hosting our textiles students.  At Education South West we believe that all children should have the chance to find a creative outlet that they love and we are so pleased with the range of art subjects on offer at Coombeshead CREATE.  The birds the students made look fantastic and I look forward to seeing them displayed at the summer show!”