Brisbane Boys school defends 'Candyman' assignment

An elite Brisbane high school is under fire after students were allowed to turn in assignments about notorious playboy Travers 'Candyman' Beynon.

The English assignment, done by two Year 12 students from Brisbane Boys College private school, showed a naked woman lying flat on her back and covered in sushi, appearing to be used as a serving tray, Gold Coast Bulletin reports.

Another image showed a shirtless Beynon lying on the floor and covered in whipped cream surrounded by five women dressed only in lingerie.

The school said the assignment involved students critically analysing the ethics and bias of media reporting.

"It’s important to note the assessment is not a commentary on the topic itself. The purpose of the images was to demonstrate the way in which the issue had been portrayed," the school said.

"At no point did the college or the students endorse the ­images or behaviours associ­ated with the topic."

Surfers Paradise State MP John-Paul Langbroek said he was worried the school was allowing students to glorify the "tawdry" life of the tobacco tycoon.

Beynon, who lives in a "Candy Mansion" surrounded by scantily clad women and expensive cars, has spared no expense in adopting a lifestyle likened to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

A spokesman told the Gold Coast Bulletin Bey­non was flattered "his life has been deemed worthy of scholastic study".

ninemsn has contacted the school for comment.