Learning to solve problems as a team, a group of teachers and students worked together to create two metal sculptures. More than 30 students from Tseung Kwan O Government Secondary School took part in an art workshop, sponsored by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. The students used copper to produce two relief sculptures symbolising traditional Chinese culture. Cheung Fai, 15, said team-spirit and an enthusiasm to solve problems played a crucial role in their success. 'What we learned in the workshop can be applied in our daily lives. This inspired us to put a lot of effort into creating a perfect work of art. 'Working with metal is a hard job for most girls,' she said. 'We did not hesitate, though our fingers were easily hurt shaping the metal.' Teacher Wong Ching-yi said the summer workshop gave students the opportunity to try something which they could not learn in the classroom. 'They visited a Chinese antique exhibition and learned the perspectives used in Chinese art,' she said. 'This is the first time we have used copper for relief artwork. They used different instruments to produce strong three-dimensional textures and oxidised the metal with corrosive chemicals.' Students Kwok Sze-ming, 16, and Lie Kin-shing, 17, said the sculptures depicted Buddha and a Chinese goddess, representing a peaceful world and good fortune. Sze-ming said the goddess repre sented the charisma and inner beauty of women. 'I really enjoyed producing our own artwork, especially a durable one,' she said. 'We learned new art techniques and ways to make our work more appealing.' Fifth-former Kin-shing said the workshop enriched his artistic sense. Lee Yin-ling, 14, said the experience boosted the group's sense of belonging to the school. 'I understand my teacher better now. She may appear to be differ ent during lessons, but she's kind and helpful,' Yin-ling said. Miss Wong said funding from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council was important to enrich the art curriculum. 'This gave our students more opportunities to see new art forms and develop their creativity.' She said the school planned to apply for funds to carry out a large- scale wrapping art project next year. Last year, the school made a dragon from recycled materials.