IT’S the quintessentially British pastime, and hundreds of schoolchildren have used it as inspiration for art.

The ‘Great British Afternoon Tea Party’ saw youngsters from four Southampton schools express themselves through art, dance, drama and music.

It was part of a programme led by teachers at Bitterne Park Primary School and Artswork, a charity which gets young people engaged in the arts.

Guests were treated to performances and displays exploring ‘British Values’ of mutual respect, tolerance, and individual liberty - as well as “exploring what it means to be British through music.”

A spokesperson for Artswork said: “Artswork have invested £8500 in a Teaching School programme, led by Bitterne Park School. It aims to improve engagement and attainment by disadvantaged pupils, including those in receipt of pupil premium, deliver a CPD programme for teachers, enable pupils to achieve Arts Award and participating schools to gain Artsmark.

“The investment programme enables Teaching Schools to lead and champion development and progression through arts and cultural education. It will build long term collaborations between Teaching Schools and arts and cultural organisations that are sustainable, where impact can be measured, and where good practice can be shared across organisations both regionally and nationally to provide high quality cultural education for children and young people.”

Head of performing arts at Bitterne Park school Sarah Moore said the children had worked “very hard” with professional musicians and artists to bring the performances together.

Schools involved were Bitterne Park, Bitterne Park Juniors, Mount Pleasant Junior School, and Townhill Junior School. They worked with Zoielogic Dance Company, artist Will Whittington, and musician Neil Valentine.