AN ELLESMERE College student has had her research project picked as an example of outstanding work by an exam board.

Alice Parton, a Year 13 student at the college, was told her project to create jewellery from antique silver spoons she bought locally was one of the best that moderators at AQA had seen.

The 17-year old, who lives near Market Drayton, made rings, earrings and bracelets as part of her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) last academic year.

Alice said she wanted to create something that would give a new use to a product that already exists demonstrating a valid business model for the 'Reduce, Re-use, Recycle' philosophy.

She said: "My initial ideas for up-cycling antique silverware into modern and sustainable jewellery simply came from the idea that I wanted a spoon ring.

"Initial resources including social media helped me develop my first ring, and after some trial and error I learnt I needed a more malleable material such as sterling silver.

"I learnt lots about different hallmarks and what they mean, also about foreign silverware.

"One of the key resources throughout my project was interviewing professional jewellers such as Peggy Bourne, she showed me some of her work which helped inspire my designs.

"Alongside my EPQ project I set up a small business of selling the rings where I learnt how to keep organised in order to stay on top of the costs, as well as the importance of having

good reviews and customer satisfaction.

"I am thrilled to hear that AQA moderators have said my work is an example of an

outstanding EPQ project."

Alice, who is the fourth generation Parton to attend Ellesmere College, is also studying Art, Psychology and Biology at A Level and is an accomplished equestrian.

She recently finished third at the Weston Park Horse Trials, an affiliated British Eventing competition, where she competed in dressage, show jumping and cross country.

Meanwhile Dr Tom Gareh, head of sixth form at Ellesmere College, added: "We are so delighted that Alice has had this recognition for her work by the exam board.

"She worked extremely hard on the project and her decision making, research and planning was all well thought out and displayed in the log book that accompanied her project."