For many children who struggle at school, class work often takes a back seat.
But one group of youngsters have overcome their challenges to produce stunning art for a new exhibition in Aberdeen.
Young people who attend the St Andrew’s Project at Camphill School – a programme which helps children who have been expelled from mainstream school or who have complex needs – have spent months creating pieces of work which are now on show to the public.
From spray painting to photography and sculpture, the exhibit showcases the talents of about 20 youngsters of all ages and abilities.
Valerie Elgadail, a St Andrew’s Project worker who encouraged the children to take part, said seeing their work displayed had been a great boost to their self-esteem and confidence.
She said showcasing their work to the public had made them feel important – and she urged people to come along and see their talent for themselves.
“The St Andrew’s Project was created to help young people who do not fit into any standard education programme,” she said.
“Many of them have had a rough time at school and have a very negative view of themselves.
“This exhibition has given them something to work for and shown them that they are worth something.
“Even if they don’t fit into a classroom, this has proved to them that’s there’s still so much they can achieve.
“When they see what they have made up on the wall and that it is appreciated by others, they feel that and it’s a great sense of belonging.
“If you believe that everyone is an artist, then here is the proof.”
Their work will be displayed at The Phoenix Centre at Newton Dee until June 14.
One of the artists, Scott McKenzie, said it was a great feeling seeing his artwork on show.
The nine-year-old, from Westhill, said: “We put a lot of thought into what we made, and I hope people see that.”