GIRLS at St Helen and St Katharine school in Abingdon now have privileged access to a 3D design studio, stuffed with high-tech equipment.

The new building was officially opened on Tuesday by world-renowned ceramic artist, Magdalene Odundo.

It boasts two workshops where pupils will get creative in design technology (DT) and ceramics classes, experimenting with metal, acrylic and pottery.

Rebecca Dougall, headmistress at the independent girls’ school, said: “It’s a really exciting project. Lots of the girls are interested in architecture and engineering.

“We hope that this new building will inspire those ambitions.”

Ms Dougall said design subjects are on the school’s curriculum and as important as maths or science.

“Sometimes we hear about science, art and maths as very separate subjects but that’s totally false. They all come together in such a dynamic process,” she said.

The workshops houses a 3D printer and a laser cutting machine, which the girls can use during lessons or in after-school clubs.

Ms Odundo, whose ceramic work is displayed in the British Museum, said: “Making things isn’t a privilege, it’s a must. Design is part and parcel of us as human beings.

“I get very excited about being a part of something like this.”