Latest news with #Ella
Telegraph
a day ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Priced out of private school? I discovered online learning is just as good
When most people think of online learning and Zoom classes, it's with a shudder. Those long days of the pandemic, when parents tried to simultaneously do their jobs while also ensuring their offspring didn't play Minecraft all day, are now, thankfully, a distant memory. But online schools are not. According to a 2024 report by the UK Department for Education, the number of students in the UK currently enrolled in full-time online schools has more than tripled since 2020, and that figure looks set to rise further after Labour removed private schools' VAT exemption. Online and hybrid learning institutions now offer an increasingly viable alternative to traditional schooling. Notably, students with additional needs, those with demanding extracurricular commitments, and families living internationally make up a significant portion of this cohort. And my daughter is one of them. Last year, Ella, 18, left ACS International School Cobham in the middle of her International Baccalaureate course, having suffered from anxiety and poor mental health. She'd always been a more than capable student, but the pressures of traditional schooling – social stress, academic intensity and a rigid daily routine – were beginning to affect her well-being. School had started to feel like a place of dread, not discovery. We briefly considered moving her to a local state sixth-form college, but the thought of large class sizes, unfamiliar environments, and the same rigid structure simply didn't sit right. What she needed was something more personalised. We discovered King's InterHigh (KIH), an independent British international online school. Offering primary, secondary and sixth form education, it caters to students aged from seven to 18. It's one of several online schools operating in the UK, established to offer an alternative option for dissatisfied parents and students (a recent survey carried out by KIH, in which 400 parents across the UK were polled, shows 60 per cent are unhappy with current education services). Others online schools include Minerva's Virtual Academy, Wolsey Hall Oxford, and My Online Schooling – each offering slightly different approaches, from tutor-led learning to independent study formats for homeschoolers. Choosing the right one depends on each child's learning style, the desired curriculum, and how much parental involvement is feasible day to day. How online schooling works Initially, of course, we were unsure. Would online learning challenge and inspire Ella? Would she miss out on the social development that school is supposed to provide? But the more we researched, the more it seemed a viable alternative to the local state school. With me working from home, she would not be at home alone all day, so we took the plunge. Ella is studying the IB Diploma and attends live, timetabled lessons each day, delivered by teachers in real time. Lessons are conducted in small groups, and the digital classroom platform includes features like live chat, screen sharing, quizzes, and breakout rooms for smaller group work. While some content is recorded for catch-up or revision, the focus is on live interaction. Teachers encourage discussion and questions. Students typically have the same teacher for each subject, and lessons are structured to mirror a traditional school day but with more flexibility. Homework is set via the online platform and submitted digitally – it might be a written essay or a presentation. Teachers provide detailed feedback through written notes, voice comments, or one-to-one follow-ups. As with any school, there are assessments and mock exams, plus parents' evenings conducted online. When Ella's feeling anxious, she can step away from class briefly. The constant feedback from teachers makes me feel more (rather than less) involved; post-primary, you do end up feeling more removed from the kids' schooling, but now I can help her catch up with missed classes. Who suits online learning We found that for someone like Ella, who had been struggling with anxiety, online learning took the pressure off (as many kids found in the pandemic, too). It's also good for self-driven learners, families who travel or live abroad, or athletes and performers. Ella's fellow students include Maxwell Whitelock, who played Alfie in the recent Channel 4 crime drama Patience, who found that traditional schooling couldn't meet his needs. 'I wasn't doing very well in normal school because I'd always come home sad or angry,' Maxwell says. On top of the emotional toll, his mother, Emma, says Maxwell also faced negative comments about being autistic. Lillia Turner, star of EastEnders and winner of Favourite Young Actor (Under 18) at the TV Times Awards 2024, is another student whose demanding acting schedule now fits seamlessly around her studies. Meanwhile, Kyle Babbage, an aspiring tennis athlete working toward professional status, has been able to fit studies around his rigorous training and travel schedule thanks to online schooling – something traditional school attendance would have made impossible. On the other hand, online school might not suit children who need high physical energy outlets or thrive on in-person interaction, or who struggle with self-discipline without in-person supervision. Some teens love daily sports or clubs, and would miss that in an online setting. Making friends The biggest question for me was whether Ella would feel isolated and not able to make friends. To encourage kids to communicate with each other, the school offers virtual assemblies and clubs, plus there's a traditional public school-style house system. 'Students are allocated a house and invited to join clubs and societies spanning everything from chess to technology, sculpting, and debate,' says a member of the pastoral team. 'It's about creating a sense of belonging – even in a digital space.' And yes, they meet in real life, too, typically at festivals or competitions. Are online schools accredited? In 2023, the UK government launched the Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS) to ensure consistent standards across virtual schools. Run by Ofsted, it is designed to provide formal recognition and accountability for online education providers. KIH has applied to the OEAS and is currently awaiting its Ofsted inspection. Critics have noted that the rollout has been slow, and some schools have opted out altogether due to concerns over regulatory fit. Others, like Minerva's Virtual Academy and Academy21, have already begun the process. The accreditation, once achieved, ensures that a school meets the same safeguarding, quality of education, and leadership standards expected in physical schools. Meanwhile, KIH has become a Cambridge International School. The accreditation process involves a detailed assessment of a school's mission, leadership, teaching quality and student-support systems. The biggest question for parents is whether qualifications will be accepted by Russell Group universities or Ivy League schools. Yet, 80 per cent of KIH students secured their first-place offer last year. As for the fees, it obviously pricier than state, but cheaper than an average private school. Primary, GCSE and A-level tuition at King's InterHigh ranges from £3,000 to £6,000 per year, depending on the number of subjects and level of study, and rises to around £10,000 a year for the IB Diploma. Wolsey Hall Oxford offers a variety of options, with A-levels costing approximately £1,800 per course. A calm and confident student A year ago, we were really worried that Ella wouldn't be able to continue with her diploma at all. But now that she's grown in confidence and rediscovered her love for learning, she is mentally prepared for this term's exams. There have also been som unexpected family benefits, too. Having Ella at home has reshaped our routine. Mornings are less chaotic (no school run) and lunches are often shared, which has unexpectedly brought us closer. I work from the kitchen while she studies in the next room. We take breaks at similar times, and I've found we talk more than we did when she was out the door by 7:30am. It's a less fragmented, more connected day for us both. 'When students join King's InterHigh, they don't just join a school – they join a community,' says Catriona Olsen, Executive Head. 'We want every learner to feel seen, supported and celebrated for who they are.' That's what we've found: Ella is thriving, and, as a parent, the transformation has been heartening. How to boost a state education with out-of-hours activities However, full-time online schooling isn't for everyone. And as private school fees continue to rise, many families are making the decision to switch to state, writes Sybilla Hart. Undeniably, as good as some UK state schools are, they may not have the sparkling extra-curricular facilities that private schools offer such as art, languages, sport and drama, which are included in the cost of the school day. But whether your kids have always been at state or grammar, or are moving over because of VAT rises, there are many ways to boost their extra-curricular education and their CV to boot, whether that's through sport, top-up online classes or in-person tutoring. Tutoring Many tutorial colleges offer summer revision courses so that kids can hit the ground running when they start back in September. The Association of Independent Sixth-Form Colleges ( is a good place to start looking. Justin Craig Education offers Easter, May and summer revision courses for most subjects at GCSE and A level at its eight centres, including Hertfordshire and London. Fees start at around £240 for a one-day, one-subject course. Summer residential courses cost £1,475. Meanwhile, Oxford Tutors offers a complimentary series of Maths workshops (also free to download), and provide one-to-one tutoring for students in all subjects, from £50 per hour. Sport Flashy facilities are not only the preserve of private schools – you'll be surprised what's on offer in your locality – but if you do live close to one of Britain's top public schools, remember that they often share access to swimming pools, tennis courts and cricket pitches. Rowing: If you live near a river, you'll likely live near a rowing club that runs a structured junior competition programme. Although race fees can add up, most clubs offer financial assistance to disadvantaged junior rowers. For example, Ross Rowing Club in Ross-on-Wye recruits children from ages 12-18 for its junior club and holds holiday training camps, usually during the Easter and summer holidays. Cricket: Cricket is not just the preserve of the costly preparatory school. Lots of regional cricket clubs offer after-school classes to primary-school age children for free. Visit and use the session finder to find multiple centres in your local area. From there you can follow the registration links and pay online. All Stars is suitable for children aged 5-8 and Dynamo Cricket is for children ages 8-11. The cost of a term's tuition at cricket clubs typically starts at £50 per child for eight sessions, which includes a personalised training top and bag. Riding: Learning to ride is a great skill but it also teaches kids how to look after animals and to muck out a stable. Lots of riding schools run after-school and weekend classes – and you definitely don't need your own pony to learn to ride. British Equestrian has a postcode search tool that will help you to find your local riding school or pony club. Art courses One area where it is hard for state schools to compete is in art school provision. While private schools have pottery studios and printing presses, comprehensives may be lucky to get a dedicated space with natural light. Art K offers classes around the country for primary and secondary students. Meanwhile, for history of art lessons suitable for teens look no further than Kristine T G Hardeberg. She holds online courses that cost £200 (a reduced rate for under 18s only) on subjects such as The Baroque, The Renaissance and Impressionism. She also offers lectures from £19. Cookery Lessons Cook Stars runs weekly lessons for two-17 year olds nationwide, from Brighton to Bridgend and Stockport to Salisbury. The first trial class is free and the course costs £78 per half term (six sessions). Children will learn to cook basic dishes and cakes such as soda bread, mini pizzas, bacon and spinach parcels, and red velvet cupcakes. Drama and Dance Stagecoach is a regional company that offers after school drama classes as well as holiday courses that culminate in a production such as Matilda or Shrek. The 12-week termly classes typically cost £360 for a weekly three-hour lesson. The holiday courses cost around £170. Theatretrain also offers dancing, acting and singing classes in 70 locations costing around £25 each for children aged between six-18. The Royal Academy of Dance is offering a Children's Summer Camp from July 28 to August 1 this year for children aged four to seven in London, costing £133 per week (10 per cent sibling discount) as well as summer courses for more experienced dancers. Book by June 9. Contact participate@ Forest School Camps Forest School Camps is a charity that runs school-holiday camps for children. Its aim is 'to provide opportunities for children from all backgrounds to experience living on the land under canvas and to encourage individual resilience and self-reliance.' Mobile phone use is banned, and cooking is done on wood fires; it's real back-to-basics stuff but lifelong friendships are formed and many child campers return to volunteer as adults.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Affordable Yacht Vacations: Group Charters Make Luxe Travel Accessible
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A group trip to a mediocre resort with the same old offerings can set you back thousands of dollars. New trends suggest there is a way to get a more unique, upscale bang for your buck: yacht travel. And more people than ever are taking advantage. A 2024 report by Mastercard found that travelers were spending more time away from home than they did pre-COVID. The company also said that spending on experiences and nightlife accounts for 12 percent of tourism sales, its highest point in a half-decade. "We're seeing the same mindset that draws people to quality-first brands like Loro Piana and The Row shaping how they travel: with discernment, intention and an appreciation for value," Eric Monkaba, the founder of TripScaper, told Newsweek. "Whether it's gaining after-hours access to the Giza pyramids or renting a private ski chalet in Lech, bringing together friends or family isn't just smart economics—it also transforms these once-in-a-lifetime moments into meaningful, shared experiences." Captains know where to take tourists, but they also know the hidden local gems that are often missed. Captains know where to take tourists, but they also know the hidden local gems that are often missed. Mercedes-Benz Luxury travel, especially by boat, has emerged as an increasingly popular way for families and friends to enjoy a tailored, highly experiential and unique getaway. The cost of living the yacht life is around the same as resort travel these days, but the experience is more customizable. Yacht travel dipped due to COVID-19 but has been steadily recovering in the years since. According to bookings were up 70 percent from 2021 to 2024. Last year saw further market stability with bookings up 3.7 percent on the previous year. Carving out just the right experience can be done with the help of a travel arrangements professional, someone that goes above and beyond the services of AAA or your local travel agent. Social media is becoming increasingly important as users bookmark and save posts from influencers and friends to help them plan their itineraries. Yachts like Ella can sleep multiple guests, allowing the cost to be split. Yachts like Ella can sleep multiple guests, allowing the cost to be split. Mercedes-Benz "Boat experiences are consistently a highlight for our travelers—no matter how you slice it. We've chartered a catamaran in the Greek isles, hired a yacht to sail down the Bosphorus in Istanbul and toasted on a Champagne cruise along the Seine at sunset (to name a few). We're even privatizing a boat to sail along the Nile for an unforgettable few days exploring Egypt," Whitney Haldeman, founder of Atlas Adventures, told Newsweek. "Our post-trip surveys consistently rank these experiences as a highlight of the trip. While our guests are seeking experiences that feel special and exclusive, they're often out of reach financially to do solo. That's the beauty of luxury group travel—there's power in numbers. Our trips allow guests to enjoy the perks of private yacht charters, luxury hotels, bespoke itineraries and high-touch service, all while sharing the cost with like-minded travelers who may start as strangers but quickly feel like longtime friends. It's a smart, connected way to travel and it's shaping the future of how luxury is accessed," Haldeman added. Popular yacht rental locations include: Greece, the French Riviera, Italy, Thailand, Australia, Sardinia, Croatia, Spain, the Bahamas, St. Barts, Turkey, the Virgin Islands and Antigua. The surrounding seas are dotted with islands of all sizes, each inviting stopovers and allowing yachters to explore their settings in a unique, intimate way. Popular yacht rental locations are in seas dotted with islands of all sizes, each inviting stopovers and allowing yachters to explore their settings in a unique, intimate way. Popular yacht rental locations are in seas dotted with islands of all sizes, each inviting stopovers and allowing yachters to explore their settings in a unique, intimate way. Daniel Balda While warm weather destinations are popular, yachts can also be rented in cooler climates like the Great Lakes, Newport, Rhode Island and Norway. In these destinations, sailing charters are popular, owing themselves to a luxury experience with a historic twist, but often with modern amenities like satellite-based Wi-Fi and gourmet meals. Groups of guests can tender a private charter for their holiday and a more personalized experience. When split between the group, costs can be similar to what you would pay to stay at a premium or luxury resort for a week. Going a step further, travelers can ensure a unique experience by being the captain of their own ship. Rental sites like Boataround allow travelers to tender a boat they pilot themselves (a sailing license is often required) for a few days or a week. Some smaller boats with two cabins are available for around $2,000 per week before the cost of fuel, taxes and extras are considered. Many hotels will hold larger luggage for a few days if you plan to return to their accommodation once back on dry land. Many hotels will hold larger luggage for a few days if you plan to return to their accommodation once back on dry land. Mercedes-Benz Prices for larger tenders that fit even more people can range from a couple of thousand dollars per day to over one million dollars per week. Some are available with a captain, and some require one. Crews that work the ship are also available and the extent of services onboard is often negotiable. While each rental is different, many larger boats can come with water sports equipment, snorkeling gear, paddleboarding equipment and a slide. Dinghies and hotel suite-like kitchen space is common. When a full week of yachting isn't in the budget, groups can enjoy a few days at sea paired with a resort stay. Many hotels will hold larger luggage for a few days if you plan to return to their accommodation once back on dry land. Transferring to your charter for a stay at sea is akin to arriving at a private hangar. Often your car transfer service will pull up to the dock and your luggage is brought onboard by the crew while you sip Champagne and watch the goings-on on other yachts in the harbor. The crew will give a tour of the boat to guests, pointing out important things like which button to press to open the sliding glass door, and instructing what to do in the event of an emergency. Once travel is underway, the fun begins. Itineraries are often negotiated at booking or days before setting off, and more stops can drive up the cost of a trip. Aerial top view of luxury yachts in Puerto Banus marina, Marbella, Spain. Aerial top view of luxury yachts in Puerto Banus marina, Marbella, Spain. Daria Kulkova/Getty Taking into account recommendations from the crew is a surefire way to enhance your experience. Captains know where to take tourists, but they also know the hidden local gems that are often missed, like the intimate and romantic Taverna San Vigilio on Lake Garda and celebrity hangouts Toula's Seaside (Corfu) and Basil's Bar (Mustique). The best captains and staff will know how to get you a last-minute reservation at highly sought after locales like Le Plongeoir in Nice, France. For those who want the boat-life experience but don't require a private charter, there is the option of river boating or small-boat cruising. A growing number of travel influencers are chartering entire vessels to host their followers, taking them on bespoke excursions inspired by experiences they've previously chronicled online. "When it comes to trends, I'm seeing a growing emphasis on attainable luxury. I think it's more accessible than ever before because there's so much more competition among hotels, Airbnbs, experiences and more. Travelers are prioritizing meaningful experiences over material splurges, and boats and yachts are a big part of that," Helene Sula from the Helene in Between travel site told Newsweek. While each rental is different, many larger boats can come with water sports equipment, snorkeling gear, paddleboarding equipment and a slide. While each rental is different, many larger boats can come with water sports equipment, snorkeling gear, paddleboarding equipment and a slide. Carol Yepes/Getty "I'm noticing a rise in group and curated travel experiences. By traveling with small groups—whether it's family, friends or curated group tours—people are able to split costs and access otherwise expensive rentals, making luxury feel more attainable. It's less about flashy displays and more about creating lasting memories in incredible settings," she said. Last year, Sula hosted multiple groups of travelers aboard European river cruise boats during the holiday season. Offshore excursions to the region's famed Christmas markets were part of the curated itinerary, but travelers were able to customize their trip to fit their desires. Sula visited and vetted each destination and tour ahead of the trip, sharing on her website and social media platforms. "I'm especially passionate about how inclusive small-ship cruising has become. We've been on dozens of river cruises and love the style of travel but wanted to create an experience that was fully all-inclusive while also offering travelers more time at each destination. We also provide multiple excursions per day—and unlike many trips where you have to choose just one, we design ours so you can do both if you'd like. We find that travelers often want to 'do it all,' and we make it possible," Sula said. Friends or families can enjoy a tailored, highly experiential and unique sailing getaway. Friends or families can enjoy a tailored, highly experiential and unique sailing getaway. Noel Uroz/Getty Booking in on a sailboat can ease a trip's environmental impact, as can not changing bedroom linens every day and minimizing food waste. And traveling via battery-powered, green energy-charged ferries instead of by plane can enhance the local feel of a by-water experience without indulging fully in a cruise or boat charter. In today's world, travelers are conscious about sustainability—and it's becoming more important to them. In a 2024 survey by 83 percent of 31,000 travelers questioned acknowledged the importance of sustainable travel. But research from the same company found that 49 percent thought more sustainable travel was too expensive. "I'm seeing more companies focusing on local immersion, sustainability and personalization—all while maintaining a luxury feel," added Sula. "These small-ship trips offer the intimacy and elegance of private travel without the hefty private charter price tag, making them a standout example of attainable luxury."
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Newport paedophile asked ‘girl' to send him naked pictures
Serial sex offender Robert Mellon thought he was speaking to an underage child called Ella. But he was in fact chatting to paedophile hunters Dank Dragon carrying out a sting operation. The 57-year-old from Newport has been in and out of prison for more than two decades after committing a string of crimes. His latest offending happened this year between March and April, prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Cardiff Crown Court. The teenager he thought he was contacting on social media was a decoy who had a fake profile picture of an underage girl. His first message to her was: 'Hi sexy!' Miss Jackson said: 'The defendant thought she was a 14-year-old girl from Cardiff. 'He asked her if she had a sexual boyfriend and the conversations carried on for a number of weeks. 'The defendant asked Ella if she shaved her genitalia and he told her she was beautiful and sexy.' She added: 'He talked to her in detail about having sex and asked for some pictures of her naked when she was in the bath. 'The defendant thought he was speaking to an actual 14-year-old girl.' Mellon, of Church Road, Newport admitted attempting to breach a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He has 14 previous convictions for 27 offences. In 2011 he was convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 for which he was eventually jailed for breaching the community order imposed in that case. Seven years later in 2018, he was sent to prison for 12 months for attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. In May 2021, Mellon was locked up for 15 months for breaching an SHPO and attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child by arranging to meet a 14-year-old girl. That was another paedophile hunter operation. A year later in May 2022 he was jailed for 12 months for breaching an SHPO and again for 16 months in February 2023 for the same offence. 'This latest offending was a serious and persistent attempt to breach the order,' Miss Jackson told the court. 'It is aggravated by his prevention convictions.' Harry Baker for Mellon asked that his client be given full credit for his early guilty pleas. Judge Paul Hobson told the defendant: 'It is very plain to me that you are a paedophile whose sexual interest in children shows no sign of abating.' Mellon was jailed for 32 months and told he would serve half of that time in custody before being released. He will have to register as a sex offender and made the subject of an SHPO indefinitely.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
Bharat Biotech's oral cholera vaccine Hillchol demonstrates success in Phase III
Hyderabad, May 21 (UNI) Bharat Biotech's Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol has demonstrated against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, proving non-inferior in healthy Indian adults and children, supporting its potential as an effective OCV. The study findings have been published in the ScienceDirect, Vaccine journal 126998 to assess a double-blind, randomized phase III clinical trial to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, non-inferiority & lot-to-lot consistency of single component oral cholera vaccine Hillchol in comparison to a comparator vaccine in a diverse participant group of 1,800 individuals, from infants to adults, across 10 clinical sites in India, Hyderabad based Vaccine maker said in a release here on Wednesday. In this study, participants were divided into three age groups: adults over 18 years, children aged 5 to under 18 years, and infants aged 1 to under 5 years. They were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either Hillchol or a comparator vaccine. The primary endpoint focused on the proportion of participants achieving >4-fold increase in vibriocidal antibody titres against Ogawa and Inaba serotypes 14 days after two doses. While secondary endpoints included Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) measurements and safety. Key highlights from the findings are that Hillchol demonstrated a greater than 4-fold rise in vibriocidal antibodies against both Ogawa (68.3%) and Inaba (69.5%) serotypes, proving non-inferiority to licensed vaccines. Adverse events were mild and comparable between the two vaccines. The vaccine was well-tolerated and immunogenic across all age groups—including infants (≥1 year), children, and adults. Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, said, " T his publication reaffirms our commitment to advancing vaccines built on rigorous research, thorough clinical trials, and reliable clinical data." 'Cholera is a vaccine-preventable disease that has faced a surge in outbreaks along with a huge shortage of vaccines. The new generation Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol, featuring a simplified single stable O1 Hikojima strain, inducing robust antibodies against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, aims to enhance production efficiency and affordability, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries where waterborne diseases continue to pose serious health threats," Dr Ella added. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Studies have estimated that 2.86 million cases and 95,000 deaths occur annually. With Hillchol, Bharat Biotech strengthens its commitment to combating global infectious diseases through innovation and clinical excellence. As cholera continues to threaten communities lacking clean water and sanitation, Hillchol provides a streamlined, scalable solution designed to support global health programs and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines. Global demand for OCVs is close to 100 million doses a year, and given that only one manufacturer supplies them, there is a global shortage. Bharat Biotech's facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar have a capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol. UNI KNR BM
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow student's fashion showcased at Cannes Film Festival
Ella Sharp, a student at Hillhead High School, wowed international audiences with her design, The Joanie, showcased as part of the Junk Kouture initiative — a global youth fashion movement celebrating creativity and sustainability. Crafted from foil blankets and race numbers, Ella's eye-catching design stood out among the celebrity glitz of Cannes, demonstrating the power of fashion with a purpose. Read more: Glasgow School of Art lecturer turns 28 years of memories into bold new show (Image: Brian McEvoy) (Image: Brian McEvoy) Junk Kouture featured eight show-stopping designs on the red carpet, created by secondary school students from the UK, Ireland, Italy, and Monaco — each outfit built from repurposed waste materials. Discarded crisp packets were transformed into a piece called Silver Lining by Lara Keena and Hannah Martin from Westmeath, Ireland, while over 1,500 plastic milk bottle caps were used to construct End of an Era by Carys Clutterbuck, Hannah Pugh, and Chiedza Makuto from Stroud, UK. Other designs included Nespresso Yourself by Irish students Jamie O'Grady and Nichola Fitzpatrick, made from aluminium coffee pods and bags, and Marée Noire by Monaco students Daniela Pagotto and Nathanaël Sargenti, built from sea glass, plastic bottles, and buttons. The striking designs, paraded alongside film stars and influencers, underscored a vital message about sustainable living and circular fashion. Junk Kouture challenges students to rethink waste, transforming everyday discarded materials into innovative fashion. (Image: Brian McEvoy) (Image: Brian McEvoy) Read more: Glasgow event celebrates £2.9m investment in STEM education The initiative aims to not only foster creativity but to raises awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and promote alternatives where nothing is wasted, and everything is valued. For Ella and her fellow creators, walking the red carpet in Cannes marked a milestone moment — showcasing that bold ideas and responsible fashion can take centre stage on the world's most iconic platforms. To find out more about the movement, the Junk Kouture website or follow @junkkouture on social media.
