Performing Arts students at Epping Forest College were putting their skills to the test to explain some of the ups and downs of being a teenager this week.

They put together a series of drama performances, based around teenage life as part of their end of year coursework.

The class performed the classic coming of age drama "Our Day Out" by Willy Russell, which follows the day trip of a group of disadvantaged teens from inner city Liverpool who get a rare day trip to Conwy Castle in Wales.

The play centres on the teens troubles at home, their insecurities about the future, their abilities and their relationships with each other.

The students at the college in Borders Lane, Loughton, took full control of the play designing backdrops, marketing and directing it themselves.

This performance was followed by a originally written play by students called the ‘The Age of Teen’, which focuses on what it feels like to be a teenager in today's world.

Curriculum coordinator for Performing Arts and BTEC National Diploma tutor Jo Wickham said: “The students have created some really thought provoking and creative work."

"This art form was brand new to most of them in January and what they have done since then and their development as performers is astounding.”