Testing out facilities at Bognor school

Gifted and talented Year 5 students took part in the Bognor Regis Community College Summer School and were among the first children to explore the new building.

Katie Connor, ten, said: "My favourite thing was the rock climbing because I did not think I could get all the way up to the top, but I did."

During the two-week programme children were given the opportunity to try out a variety of new activities ranging from academic studies of sports injuries to creating animations and comic strips.

Jessy Brooks, ten, said: "The trampolining was the best. I was really proud I did it because I didn't think I would be able to get up, but people just pushed me up and it was great. It has also been really nice to make new friends and to play outside games."

Nine-year-old Katie Hood said: "Everyday at the end of the day we used the Macs to do a dairy which was really cool."

Students were also able to take advantage of the futuristic science labs and high-tec Apple Mac suites.

Adam Doig, nine, said: "My favourite bit has been playing football outside and the computer stuff as well.

He added: "I said I wanted to do the summer school because I thought it would be fun and I have done something like it before, but this one has been really good."

On hand to make sure everything ran smoothly were the 12 mentors from Years 10-12 from the existing school.

Mentor Shelby Lamden, 16, said: "It has been fun teaching them stuff they have never done before, and it has also helped us to pick up new skills like leadership which will help us in the future."

Mentor Heaster Benham, 16, added: "It has helped us as much as it has helped them, we have all loved getting involved with the activities."

Head of science and summer school manager Kevin Gardner said: "All the mentors have been really fantastic, they have all worked really hard and got a lot out it, too."

Mr Gardner, added: "It is events like this that bring the school and the community together and on this occasion it has worked well.

"I feel we have shown what kind of support, engagement and learning opportunities we can offer."

The two-week activity programme which catered for 25 children has helped combat summer holiday boredom and give parents a break.

Mr Gardner added: "I have done summer activity weeks at other schools I have taught at, but this one has been by far the most successful and I hope this success will be repeated."

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