From tutus to face masks

How did Fyling Hall’s former Head Student go from tutus to face masks?

When UK schools closed in March, Ailsa had almost completed her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Having passed A levels at Fyling Hall in maths, chemistry, physics and music, she decided that she would like to do something more practical and with her love of ballet she decided that she would like to design and make a tutu. When the opportunity arose for her to do this as an EPQ and combine it with some work experience in our Junior School, Ailsa decided this was something she would like to do. She started to learn the skills needed to produce her tutu and by February half term her design was complete. As she started to put the final touches on her presentation the school closed.

With the prospect of a long period at home, Ailsa turned her newly acquired skills to making PPE for a local care company and became involved with Whitby Handmade PPE. She has since completed many dozens of masks, scrubs and bags. She has had donations of duvet covers, pillow cases and sheets from many friends and neighbours and local companies have printed patterns and provided thread. Her first essential purchase of lockdown was an overlocker which has certainly been put to very good use over the past few months. Thank you, Ailsa, for moving from tutus to face masks!