CHILDREN from Ferryhill have taken part in two summer schools to help develop their skills.

Year seven pupils from Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College joined year six students from its feeder schools as part of a project to help the transfer to secondary school.

Each summer school had a theme and a range of activities to develop literacy, numeracy, information technology skills, thinking skills, leadership, co-operation and teamwork.

Students were transported by minibus, and breakfast and lunch were provided, as well as fruit platters and water bottles, to promote healthy eating and boost brain power. Activities included visits by staff from local and national businesses, and one of the schools visited SW Durham Training.

Jayne Bartle, who co-ordinated the event with Lynn Gibson, said: "Staff from both primary and secondary schools worked together, which offered a fantastic opportunity for professional development and sharing good practice."

A reward system involved students collecting stamps for high standards of behaviour and work, which they exchanged for prizes including calculators, footballs and stationery.

The week finished with a visit from Splats, a circus training school that taught the students juggling skills, and a celebration event where parents and guests joined the staff and students.

Prizes were awarded by literacy consultant Anne Cuthbert and Dave Parnaby, director of Middlesbrough Football Club's academy. All children received a certificate and a voucher.

Mrs Bartle said: "It was an extremely positive experience and questionnaires indicate that all students would recommend a summer school to a friend. There was a wonderful atmosphere all week. Students were a credit to their parents and their primary schools."