Talented young Wigan students wow Grand Arcade shoppers

Celebrating the themes of portraiture and architecture, dedicated students across Years Nine to 11 went to great lengths to capture the stunning images, which have taken centre stage in the centre during the last two weeks.

Rose Bridge Academy students are becoming well known for their photography skills, with nearly three quarters of GCSE students achieving an A* or As in the subject over the last two academic years.

Mr Chilvers, who leads the Art Department at Rose Bridge Academy, said: “I am continually impressed by how creative our students are.

“To prepare the exhibition, for example, we built a pool in the photography studio and used smoke and other effects to give some of the photos a mythical and ethereal feel.

“The quality of the exhibition is testament to their imagination and free-thinking.

“I would like to thank the centre as their support provides the ideal public space for the work to be viewed by the student’s friends and family as well as the general public of Wigan.”

John Sanson, Grand Arcade Centre Manager, said: “Grand Arcade Shopping Centre is always pleased to provide Rose Bridge Academy with space for the school to showcase their photographic work.

“The display is always viewed by a high volume of our visitors as they go about their shopping and admired by all.”

The school, which is part of the Community First Academy Trust, recently submitted an ArtsMark bid as it continues to develop its creative offering.

The ArtsMark is the creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England.

Sue Darbyshire, CEO of the Trust, said: “Whenever you walk around the academy you get a real sense of how talented the students are and how they are being inspired by the teachers in our creative subjects.

“We have had a singer perform in front of Simon Cowell, the productions are very impressive and results for subjects like art, photography and drama are consistently amongst our best.”