A SUMMER school was held to pave the way for pupils moving from primaries to a Basingstoke secondary school.

The transition programme was organised by Aldworth Science College, paid for using funds from the school, in Western Way, Sovereign Housing Association, and the Government.

A total of 28 students attended the 10-day event, which included seven days based at the school for pupils to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings and meet some of the teachers, followed by a three-day residential activity break in Calshot.

The youngsters enjoyed various lessons themed around Harry Potter, including drama, literacy, numeracy, swimming, shelter building, science, survival skills and ice skating.

The first week culminated in the pupils creating their own newspaper, writing about what they had achieved throughout the week.

Terry Lynch, assistant headteacher at Aldworth, said: “It’s about developing confidence and social skills.”

He added: “The pupils will have some idea of the layout of the building and the differences in their school life.”

During the three-day stay at Calshot, the group took part in various activities, including kayaking, climbing, snowboarding, track cycling and archery.

Phoebe Hawkins, 11, said: “We are planning to make up a newspaper. We are writing about the favourite thing we did and what we enjoyed about it, and then we put it all on the page.

“I have enjoyed ice skating because I couldn’t do it before, but I built my confidence up.

“I didn’t feel confident about coming here in September, but because I have made a few friends at the summer school, I feel much more confident.”

Sophie Nash, 11, a former Park View Junior School pupil, said: “It’s been one long amazing experience.

“I have met people through it and our confidence has increased with what we have been doing. We have had some really good teachers who are helpful and generous to us.

“I felt a bit wobbly about starting here in September, but now my confidence has gone up to the highest level. I have enjoyed it all, but overall I think that working with the teachers has been the best part.”