A SUMMER school was held for the first time at a Basingstoke secondary school to familiarise new pupils with their surroundings.

The two-week event was funded by Brighton Hill Community College and run by teachers, as a way for the new Year 7 pupils to settle into their school before starting in September.

Lessons took on a theme of Fairtrade, with pupils coming up with their own new Fairtrade product.

About 40 students took part in morning lessons and afternoon sport activities.

Helen Heath, head of year and an English teacher at the school, in Brighton Way, said: “We decided to offer this opportunity to get them used to the way the school works and give them a chance to make new friends.”

The new Year 7s also went on a trip to Marwell Wildlife, near Winchester.

Miss Heath said: “They were fabulous and worked really hard – it was a big success. It’s quite daunting coming to secondary school and they feel more comfortable about it now.”

At the end of the two weeks, pupils took part in a celebratory assembly joined by their parents.