Youngsters were given a taste of what lies in store for them at their new school during a week of special activities.

Norden High School ran a Summer School for its new Year 7 pupils to help them prepare for high school life and meet their soon-to-be classmates.

A varied timetable was laid on for the new intake, including literacy and numeracy workshops, computing lessons and a ‘flash bang’ science workshop.

Ice skating, bowling and a trip to an outdoor activity centre were among the sporting opportunities on offer, while pizza making and baking lessons helped to hone youngsters catering and domestic skills.

At the end of the introductory week pupils were presented with ‘goody packs’ consisting of a tee-shirt, a dictionary, a geometry set, sweet bags and a David Walliams book. Children who attended the programme said they enjoyed their introduction to life at Norden High.

Student Elias Jones said: “The week was brilliant. I got to make some new friends and found my way around the building before I had even started. My best bits were the baking and just everything.”

The school has also received a positive response from parents of the new starters, who welcomed the opportunity for their children to build confidence ahead of making the step up to a new school.

Deputy headteacher at Norden High, Jo Bleasdale said: “The pupils really benefitted from spending a week getting to know other Year 7 pupils and becoming familiar with some of the staff and the school building.”