Board24 Preston has once again stepped in to help a local school get creative with cardboard. Walton-le-Dale High School got in touch to explain what they have been able to create with sample sheets donated from Board24.

Walton-Le-Dale High School hosts an annual Open Day for Year 5 Pupils from local primary schools. These Open Days are usually themed, and in recent years the themes have been based around well-known children’s’ books and authors such as Alice in Wonderland and Roald Dahl. A featured part of Open Days is welcoming the pupils, and this usually means creating a ‘set’ for theme to walk through in to the welcome assembly. This year, the theme was the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling and took inspiration from Diagon Alley.

Starting with an idea of making Diagon Alley, a scale model was made. Four shop fronts were chosen for the model; Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Grongotts Bank, Flourish and Blotts Bookshop and Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Whilst trying to find the right materials to build a full scale set for the sports hall, it was possible to make some ‘props’ including the Sorting Hat and an owl delivering Hogwart’s Letter! Thankfully, after attempting to source large sheets of card to complete the props and sets, Board24 Preston were able to supply sample sheets that were exactly right for the job!

The process of making props and parts of Daidon Alley commenced, after initial trail assemblies, painting began and the set began to take shape, more cardboard props were made; brooms, shops and street signs were added to the project.

Props and ‘set dressing’ were added, including setting up the Sorting Hat and Dumbledore’s’ Lectern ready for the welcome on Open Day.

After five weeks of cutting, scoring, gluing and painting, the set was completed. With the addition of lighting and wholehearted staff participation, Diagon Alley came to Walton-le-Dale High!

Paul Grave, Technology Technician at Walton-le-Dale high school who coordinated the project comments; “Thanks to your kind donation, we managed to produce the sets for our Harry Potter themed Y5 Open Day; everything, (shop fronts to lectern) is made of card – once again, thanks for your donation – it wouldn’t have been possible otherwise!”