Children creating pieces of art from scrap metal

Children from Highgate Hill House School, a co-educational school for children with special educational needs aged 5 to 16 years, near Holsworthy, have recently been expanding their creative skills by attending a 'welding workshop' hosted by The Pottery Box at Whitstone.

All classes are led by a member of the local community, who has twenty five years experience in the mechanics trade, and include the design and creation of metal sculpture work.

One pupil, Kitty, who has recently attended the course, made a clock (pictured) complete with workings, from scrap parts sourced from an old car. The clock now sits pride of place in her sitting room at home.

Another pupil who has particularly enjoyed this experience was Rihanna, who made an alien, selecting all of the parts she'd like to use, laying them out into a body shape before welding.

Angelique Medland, owner of The Pottery Box, said: “The enthusiasm and creativity of the children has really impressed us, both with the welding and pottery classes that they take part in here. The get a huge sense of satisfaction from seeing the project through to completion, from initial design to a finished article they can take home”.

Sir Peter Birkett, School Founder, added: “The Pottery Box is another example of a fantastic resource available to our pupils, literally on our doorstep. It's also a great opportunity for children to meet members of the local community, building their confidence and gaining important social and life skills along the way. A course like this may spark a particular interest with a child, and from a preparation for life beyond school and potential career point of view, this is something we are keen to pursue”.

For more information about Highgate Hill House School, please visit www.hhhschool.co.uk, email headteacher@hhhschool.co.uk or call 01288 341998.