PUPILS at an Ilkley school were thrilled to venture to Kingswood in Northumberland for a three day, Covid-secure, action packed residential trip.

Form 4 pupils from Westville House were kept on their toes with laser tag in the forest, abseiling, zip lining, assault courses, archery, circus tricks and team building.

Miss Dobson, who has taught at Westville House in Ilkley for 20 years said: “The children have experienced exhilarating, hair-raising, brilliantly fun exploits! They scored the zip line as ‘ten stars’ and the 3G swing was ‘an experience not to be forgotten.’ As for the midnight feasts - well, what goes on tour, stays on tour!”

Headteacher Mrs Nikki Hammond was determined to give the youngsters the freedom to enjoy the adventurous pursuits on offer: “We’ve worked extremely hard over the last year to provide our children with the very best education amidst the circumstances posed by the pandemic. During lock downs we provided full timetabled live Zoom lessons, ensuring all our children were able to continue their progression.

“Since returning to school, the children have undergone a series of assessments to measure their attainment, providing our teachers with the information they need to ensure pupils are on the right track. They have all risen to the challenges with great enthusiasm and application, advancing across the board. We provide the children with the best academic support but also take great care to offer a wide range of activities to broaden their horizons through sports, the arts and outdoor activities. The Form 4 year group missed out on their annual ski trip, so we were delighted to be able to organise an adventurous residential that will make some life-long memories. The journey through primary education goes quickly and many of the children have been with us since they were just two years old.

“It’s extremely rewarding to witness how they have developed socially and academically over the years. The residential provided a validation of our core values, with the children rising to the fun obstacles presented with humour, alacrity and resilience.

“I’d like to acknowledge the wonderful contributions throughout school and the wider community that our pupils and teachers have demonstrated, with great thanks.

“They are the embodiment of The Westville Way and I wish our students well as they advance through their educational journey beyond Westville.”