The end of A-levels is normally a chance for students to celebrate their achievements after two years of hard work.

But like many young people across the country, the coronavirus lockdown prevented Trinity School’s A-level art students from having that precious final moment in which their hard work and success could be fully celebrated.

In normal times, Trinity School would put its art students’ final pieces on display for students, family and friends to see.

But with Covid-19 having made that impossible, the school’s head of art Melanie Reay said it was important that students were able to have that opportunity to properly reflect on the strength of their success.

“It’s important the students feel like they have achieved something, and the certificate at the end of the two years doesn’t tell that full story of all the hard work, all the fantastic achievements that they’ve had,” she said.

So to give the students the opportunity to experience their hard work being properly appreciated, Melanie and her colleagues Lisa Trevorrow and Abby Kilfedder set out to find a place in which the city could be shown their students’ success.

“The exhibition is called Freeze, because time did freeze for us,” Mrs Reay said.

“It’s based on the idea that although time froze, we’re here now to celebrate their success.”

Thanks to The Lanes shopping centre and the Muffin Break cafe, along with Wilkinson Cameras which printed the images, this week the students’ artwork has been given a central location in which to be seen, and will be on display until Friday.

Becky Townson, supervisor at Muffin Break, said she was glad the students had been able to have the opportunity to showcase their work.

“In the face of everything that’s been going on, I think the city has really pulled together, there’s been so much community spirit in Carlisle recently,” she said.

“So it’s been nice to feel part of that by having the students showcase their work here.”

A spokeswoman for The Lanes shopping centre said they were delighted the students had a central location to display their artwork.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the students' hard work and resilience during the recent challenging period,” the spokeswoman said.

“We are doing an ‘Instagram take-over’ on our social channel over the coming week showcasing their pieces so if you are unable to visit The Lanes you can still view the student’s work by searching @thelanesshoppingcentre on Instagram.”

Also on display is work put together by younger students on the topic of wellbeing, as part of a project spearheaded by art technician Lisa Trevorrow focusing on mental wellbeing throughout the pandemic.

Mrs Reay said that the Covid-19 crisis had been challenging both for teachers and students. All have had to adapt to virtual lessons and a lack of face-to-face contact. But she added that while it has presented challenges, it has also presented opportunities.

“It’s made us think differently about how we deliver art,” she said. “The world is increasingly digital, and the art world, along with the way people engage with and access art, is increasingly digital.”

Mrs Reay said it has been difficult to adapt to the lack of face-to-face communication, but that overall, virtual lessons have been a success.

“We realised quite quickly that students really need that connection and communication with us,” she said. “Many students need that interaction, not many students can simply work from a worksheet.

“Throughout lockdown, the need for that conversation has become very apparent. But we’ve found ways to make it work, and I think it’s worked well.

“If there’s one thing I’ll remember from this whole experience, it’s the success of those lessons.”