High school students celebrate by dressing as they dare

CALIFORNIA girls, zombies and the Teletubbies were

part of the fun at Tiverton High School's Dress as you Dare Day.

The annual tradition which celebrates the end of

formal lessons before the GCSE exam period saw year 11 pupils dress up in weird

and wonderful creations on Thursday 26 May.

Students arrived in drizzly weather for 9.30am for

breakfast and for photographs before a grand parade in front of the whole

school. The year 11s then headed into the hall where pupils entertained each

other on stage with song and dance routines.

Teacher Chris Blaxland who compered the event

said: "It's been brilliant fun, I thought they entered the spirit really well

and it's been a great day.

"I think the event has got more and more important

as the years have gone on and has become a big part of what we do here at the

school."

Learning manager Kerry Albutt added: "It's sad to

see them go, but they've blossomed into fantastic young adults and I'm so proud

of each and every one of them.

"It's been a fantastic day, and it's great to know

that they'll be going on to have a successful future. A couple of pupils have

been asked to be put back a year as it will be sad for them to leave, but they've

worked hard and ready to move on."

Teachers judged those who dressed to impress and

prizes were awarded to the best costumes. Thomas Palmer dressed as the

Peanut King which took nearly 40 hours to build and won a prize: "I've come as a giant peanut

for no reason whatsoever – it's completely random.

"The day has been brilliant, and I also have some

sweets as a prize. This event is really something which helps you relax just

before a stressful exam period."

Sam Lane who dressed as an M&M rounded off the

morning by performing Killing in the Name with his band. He said: "It's been a

quality morning and I don't have a voice left now.

"Dress as you Dare Day has been awesome and

everyone seems to have enjoyed it. Now we're going off to enjoy the rest of the

day."

Leigh-Ann Bates added: "A lot of effort goes into

dress as you dare day, and everyone plans it for months. Even though it's

raining outside I don't think it really matters."

Denise Welch, Karen Maskell and Kelsey Sewell decided

to dress as their favourite history teacher Mark Backhouse. The trio were even

able to find authentic Backhouse ties which were supplied by his wife. Kelsey

said: "We decided we'd come as him as we sit in his room at lunchtime so we're

now paying him back for that.

"We'll miss the school when we've left, but there's

lots of studying to do between now and our prom."

Mark Backhouse added: "I think it's a lack of

imagination. They just looked around and thought they'd just copy me.

"I think they have the same charisma and charm as

I do. It's taken me fifty or so years to get to look like this and the younger

generation have done it in a few weeks."

Pupils will now have a stressful month ahead with GCSE exams getting into full flow after the half term break, but the high school's prom will be something for them to look forward to on Friday 1 July.