Plundering pupil pirates invade Arundel primary

Children armed with plastic swords, sporting eye patches and dressed head-to-toe in full seafaring attire raised the Jolly Roger on the playground of St Philip’s Catholic Primary School.

Pupils from years one and two took part in the special pirate day organised by the Worthing-based Rainbow Theatre Group.

Fascinated youngsters were able to take part in the drama, as they were enlisted by the team to go on a hunt to find the dreaded Gruesome Gertie and her crew, who had kidnapped Prince Percival.

The mini-pirates had to contend with sea monster battles and mermaid rescues before taking on Gertie in hand-to-hand combat – in the school playground, of course – to free the prince and safely return him home.

The show was a thrilling conclusion to the school’s “Ahoy There!” topic.

But the fun didn’t finish there. Throughout the day, pupils went in search of hidden treasure, made pirate flags, enjoyed a banquet-style outdoor picnic as well as baking cakes and learning a thing or two about orienteering.

Year-two teacher and the school’s deputy head, Lucy Horne, said the children had a wonderful time.

She said: “A fabulous day was had by all and all the crew and captain survived the day unscathed.”