STUDENTS at Greendown School have produced a stunning exhibition of ceramics even though some of them have only been learning the subject for six months.

Teaching assistant Jackie Ong has been working with the youngsters at the Grange Park school as part of their work-related curriculum, which helps them move onto vocational courses and modern apprenticeships when they leave school.

The exhibition is at the West Swindon Library at the Link Centre until Wednesday, April 12.

Mrs Ong, who was yesterday helping the students set up the display, said: "What they've done is fabulous.

"The quality is superb and it means so much to the students to have their work on show.

"Everyone needs a boost to their self-esteem and this is just what education is all about sending out confident people who believe they are good at things.

"Ceramics is one of their favourite subjects.

"They really love it and it's a very creative outlet for them.

"They made the designs on paper, made the object with clay, fired it here at our kiln and then glazed it to their choice of colour and design."

But the exhibition has also provided another benefit for the teenagers.

Mrs Ong said: "We're hoping that showing the items here will encourage our pupils to visit the library with their parents and relatives and find out more about the facilities, such as the homework club.

"They've enjoyed having a look around and finding out what's on offer."

Student Tom McCulloch, 14, of Middleleaze, has been making two different kinds of pots.

He said: "I've done slab pots, starting with four sides and joining them together, and mould pots.

"It's been quality. Ceramics is my favourite class and it's helped with my drawing too.

"Also it teaches me to be calm as I can get a bit wild.

"Knowing our work is on display is really good. My mum is going to go to see the exhibition later."

Daniel Ray, 14, of Grange Park, has been even more ambitious, producing several masks and a model of a cottage.

He said: "It's just a basic house, decorated, with a lake.

"I looked in a couple of books and took some ideas.

"I'm really pleased with what I've done as I'm not normally very good at art. I'm hoping to do more. For me doing practical stuff is better than writing."