HUNDREDS of Teesside children will have their holidays cut short as school chiefs try to drive up classroom standards and raise their aspirations.

More than 450 primary school pupils will attend a summer school at the University of Teesside and take part in a variety of academic and social activities.

The Meteor scheme - now in its seventh year - targets pupils aged ten and above. Student mentors are placed in schools throughout the year to help them with their studies and explain the benefits of continuing through school into further education.

At the summer eschool, educational games will be used to build children's confidence and knowledge of maths. Science workshops will explain where electricity comes from and how to power a light.

There will be courses on computer animation, when the children will create their own moving, three-dimensional animated character

The Tees Valley World Drummers will lead a drum workshop, teaching the basics of percussion and rhythm.

The summer school students will be asked to create and design their own DVD cover. They will also be offered a variety of sporting activities at the university's £6.5m Olympia Sports Building.

Joanne Bulmer, schools and colleges liaison officer, said: "The activities have been designed to be both educational and fun and we are sure the pupils, teachers and student mentors will enjoy the summer school. We hope it will be the best Meteor summer school to date."

The school will end in a graduation for all the children and their families at Middlesbrough Town Hall on July 7.

The little graduates will take part in a procession through the town centre, led by the Tees Valley World Drummers. Emmerdale star Elizabeth Estensen will deliver a video address to congratulate the children on their achievement.