Private School News

‘Model Pupils’ take to the catwalk

Polam Hall students have shown that they are ‘model pupils’ by taking to the catwalk in aid of children’s charity Helen and Douglas House.

The group of Sixth Formers helped to raise £1500 by linking in with local fashion retailers to model their ranges of informal and eveningwear in front of an audience of 300 guests.

Family members and teaching staff took part in the show, as did Year 4 pupils who modelled their own headwear designs, made with the assistance of milliner Catherine Hart of Sedgefield-based Catherine Hart Designs.

The annual fashion show raises thousands year-on-year for charities designated by the students who spend their valuable time organising it.

This year the students chose Helen and Douglas House after one girl’s family member received respite care at the Oxford-based hospice, which cares for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Fashion Show 2009

Headmistress Marie Green said: “At Polam Hall we always encourage pupils ‘to do their bit’ for the wider community and the fashion show is a great example of how they use their time for the benefit of others.

“Our pupils have organised the event from start to finish, showing their maturity, leadership and passion for good causes. I would like to thank local businesses who have worked alongside the pupils to make this event such a success.”

Mary Boullin, community fundraiser for Helen and Douglas House, said: “It is so wonderful to have been chosen by Polam Hall School and we are very grateful for their support.

£1500 is an incredible contribution and could, for example, pay for one of our nurses for 100 hours.”

Local shops involved in the event included Leggs, Republic, Chestnut, I Love Gorgeous, Bertie, Cheeki, Geoffrey Gillow, Binns, Poppy Bridal, Affleck and Moffat, and Boho Milano. Hair was styled by Twelve Central and staff from department store Binns applied make-up to the models.