STUDENTS  from Coombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot seized a unique opportunity to boost their creative and business skills at a freehand embroidery workshop led by the Cornish artist Poppy Treffry at  the recent  Craft Festival Bovey Tracey.

In an exclusive chance offered only to the academy , students were able to join  celebrations for  the festival’s 20th anniversary. 

Equipped with Poppy’s expertise, vintage sewing machines and piles of fabric, students had the opportunity to create professional embroidery pieces which will feature in their GCSE coursework portfolio and the upcoming summer show at CREATE.

CREATE offers a dynamic range of subjects including Art & Design, Photography, Textiles, 3D Design, and Graphics, providing students with  creative pathways to successful and diverse careers in the arts.

 ‘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.’  said Helen Coulson, headteacher at Coombeshead Academy.

‘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 added: ‘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.’

To see more of the students' work from the CREATE academy, follow their Instagram for updates on upcoming events and students' progress at  @create_creativeartsacademy.