CREATE Students fromCoombeshead Academy in Newton Abbot, part of Education South West, have visited Bristol for a day out, soaking up the art and culture the city has to offer.

The sixth form students visited a whole host of artistic destinations including the Arnolfini Gallery where they examined the photography exhibitions and the M SHED, a museum all about Bristol.

The group also went to see the Aquarena by William Pye, which is part of the largest public art commissioned programme in the South West.

They visited Nelson Street to take part in a graffiti street art tour, taking in famous large scale pieces by Roa, Banksy, Stik, Aryz as part of the See No Evil art festival.

Finishing their tour atthe brand new 200 ft mural by Goldie, which tells the story of the creation of the record label Metal Headz and also celebrates the music scenes of Bristol and New York.

The CREATE Creative Arts Academy at Coombeshead Academy is home to specialist studios and teachers offering learning in an exciting range of creative courses.

CREATE offers art and design, photography, textiles, 3D design and graphics providing young people a pathway to a successful future in diverse and rewarding arts careers.

CREATE intends to offer a cultural trip like this to students every term and is building them into their curriculum.

It’s aim is to encourage students to visit new places to broaden their creative and cultural awareness and experiences.

Staff are already planning more trips for after Christmas.

Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said: ‘I hope the CREATE students enjoyed this jam packed trip to Bristol.

‘I know they were able to try out some newly bought handheld scanning equipment which allowed them to take experimental photographs as well as documenting work for their personal projects.

‘It certainly sounds as though they won’t have been short of inspiration.’

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: ‘At Education South West we are committed to inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers.

‘This trip to Bristol is just one example of how students are provided with opportunities to immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences. We believe in nurturing talent by empowering our students to find their own creative identity.’