LIFE and death were examined by youngsters as they enjoyed the sight of new-born chicks and watched the murder of a jelly baby.The contrasting sights were among a huge variety of activities and demonstrations at Orwell High in Felixstowe as the school held its open evening for prospective pupils and their parents.

LIFE and death were examined by youngsters as they enjoyed the sight of new-born chicks and watched the murder of a jelly baby.

The contrasting sights were among a huge variety of activities and demonstrations at Orwell High in Felixstowe as the school held its open evening for prospective pupils and their parents.

Year six students from the area's primary schools were invited to visit and walk around the school, sampling the huge variety of lessons on offer and taking part in many of them.

Like all schools in the area, Orwell in Maidstone Road is keen to attract pupils for the academic year starting in September 2007, with the deadline for applying for places early next month.

Youngsters found the science department particularly vibrant, with teacher Marie Totman demonstrating how hearts and lungs work, with real hearts and lungs.

There were also examples of new life, with a clutch of newly-hatched chicks a great attraction, and of death with the murder of a jelly baby in a scientific experiment.

Students in the English department were going through the stages of putting together and editing a newspaper, while in maths there was a chance to make a 3D calendar, and in drama to see students rehearsing for their GCSE piece, Blood Brothers.

Art students were making masks, geography pupils doing 3D model contour mapping, and musicians showing off their talents on guitar and drums.

There was a particular interest in the new beauty and makeup course, with students showing off their skills at manicure and makeup in a candle-lit classroom, while business studies students were selling jewellery and other items they had made themselves.

Headteacher Peter Tomkins said the evening had been a showcase for what Orwell had to offer based on its mission statement - Learning Together. Succeeding Together.

He said the school's aim was to provide the right environment for students to develop their studying and learning skills. New Homework Projects had been introduced for year seven and eight students this year to help them develop independent learning skills ahead of their GCSE courses.

The school aimed to offer a broad range of courses, and a large range of extra-curricular activities.

WEBLINK: www.orwellhigh.com