PUPILS put their artistic skills to the test as they took part in a special day of workshops and activities.

Lawn Manor Academy’s Year 7s held a fun-filled Creative Arts day in which they transformed into chefs, rockstars and dancers.

The students made unique Andrew Goldsworthy-inspired art installations using material found in Lawn Wood, and Parents were able to sample the delicious sweet treats that the miniature Mary Berrys had cooked up.

Headteacher Sandra Muir, who, as a trained music teacher, is no stranger to creative arts, thought the day had been one to remember.

She said: “The event was a huge success. It is really important to give pupils an opportunity to perform and to try out different skills which they may not have the opportunity to do at home.

“Although we run lessons in all the arts subjects, this day is about celebrating the arts and allowing pupils to do something a little different than normal lessons to really get their creative side out.

“The number of pupils taking music, dance, art and cookery is really growing and it is through dedication of the teachers driving the subjects.”

The workshops were aimed at the Year 7s who joined Lawn Manor in September to enable them to hone their creative instincts through music, dance, art and design. The day ended with a special performance and exhibition to parents and friends of at the end of the day.

During the day, there were two Glastonbury-inspired performances of music and dance with singing, guitars, keyboards and percussion.

Head of music, David Jones, said: “It was great to work with two groups of year 7s and teach them a song to perform to parents and friends at the end of the day.

“We were ambitious this year and teamed up with dance to put together the music that Miss Dixon then choreographed a dance routine to.

“We had students learning the guitar and piano parts as well as drumming and singing parts. They worked extremely hard and with rehearsals and practice they put on a great performance of the two songs: a classic rock and roll piece Jonny B Goode and a more modern song Lost Boy.

“By the end of the performance we had some students with tired hands from all the drumming and guitar playing, but it was worth it for the great performance they gave.’

One Year 7 pupil named Harvey, who joined Lawn Manor Academy in September from Lainesmead Primary School, said: “I think it was good for people to understand the meaning of art. My favourite part was cooking as we made chocolate cake.”