TALENTED young people in the county are today being celebrated after they got the chance to showcase their qualities.Throughout the Shine Festival, pupils at primary and secondary schools excelled in all areas of school life, by celebrating their achievements in sports, the arts and music.

TALENTED young people in the county are today being celebrated after they got the chance to showcase their qualities.

Throughout the Shine Festival, pupils at primary and secondary schools excelled in all areas of school life, by celebrating their achievements in sports, the arts and music.

Westbourne Sports College, Marlow Road, which also took part in the festival last year, organised a sports day where many pupils got involved in a variety of track and field events.

Some students also put examples of their work, like photography or poetry, on the Shine website to share with others.

Pearl Gibson, director of learning at Westbourne Sports College, said: “It is a good way of showcasing some of the talent we have in school.”

Rosehill Primary School, Derby Road, organised a number of activities to mark the festival. They held two sports day for the younger and older children, which included games like bicycle races and egg and spoon events. A musical production was performed by year five and six pupils, which was about their time at the school. The youngsters also made a Wall of Talent, where they revealed a special quality or hobby they practise at home.

Karen Read, deputy head teacher at the school, said: “We have been developing our curriculum so it is more child-centred. The children have been making decisions about what they want to learn. Shine celebrates people's talents and this is part of our ethos.”

Copdock Primary School, School Hill, Copdock, held a sports day, which included an obstacle course, provided an African drumming session and organised a celebration assembly.

Morland Primary School, Morland Road, had a special achievements assembly where there were singing performances and attempts at hula-hooping.

Lower school students at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge held a series of special assemblies to showcase arts-based projects undertaken throughout the year.

Cliff Lane Primary School in Ipswich conducted a singing morning where several year five groups from different schools came together to form a choir of about 300 children.

A charity which provides support for youngsters, Young Suffolk, also held an event to celebrate the youth, which included a production by the Southernwood Stage School called The Karen Carpenter Story and drill demonstrations carried out by Squadron Air Training Corps.

Tell us about your talents - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.