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Year 11 leavers from Aldworth Science College release their balloons

IT was an uplifting end to an emotional day for some Basingstoke students.

Those leaving Aldworth Science College released a flotilla of balloons to mark their final formal day at school.

The event was part of the South Ham school's leaving ceremony for pupils preparing for their GCSEs.

Addressing the students before the event, headteacher Julie Churcher said: "This balloon release is a symbol of the journey you are all about to embark upon.

"We hope that the balloons, like you, will journey far and the wind's currents convey them fast and free like the dreams for your future."

More than 100 balloons were sent skyward on the sports field, each containing a pupil's message and a contact number - with the one travelling furthest winning its owner a prize.

Last year, a Dutchman found the winning balloon in The Netherlands.

Mrs Churcher said it was important to organise a day of events marking the milestone of leaving school.

She said: "It's very much come to be a tradition in the school and I think it's important to mark these rites of passage."

Earlier, presentations were made and awards handed out at a special assembly.

Students also enjoyed watching a computer presentation of a photographic timeline of their school lives.

The photos poignantly tracked each pupil during their school life from five years old to their last year.

Head boy Daniel Mortara said it was a day of mixed emotions.

He said: "Everybody was quite upbeat throughout the day and enjoyed themselves, but I think, towards the end, it hit them and it got emotional.

"Everyone in our year gets along and we are quite close."

Head girl Lindsay Phillips added: "I'm going to miss all the staff.

"It's like we are moving out of our comfort zone."

9:30am Tuesday 20th May 2008

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