TWENTY-SIX year five children from a range of schools joined Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn for a special ‘achieving excellence’ project day.

Held earlier this month, the day was sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT).

The pupils, who were nominated by their class teachers, had the exciting opportunity to take part in a tailored programme of English and maths activities designed to stretch, challenge and inspire.

In English, pupils were involved in 'The Bridge' project - a creative writing workshop. From building a poetry bridge to giving the bridge a voice, the year fives used the height and depth of their language skills to bring the bridge to life.

English teacher Miss Galwey said: “I was really impressed by some of the high-level answers given and the quality of work produced. It was great to see that some of our local youngsters have such enthusiasm and flair for English.”

In maths pupils participated in an enterprise project designed to develop problem solving skills linked to numeracy. The challenge involved building a paper bridge and adding weight to test the strength of the structures.

Maths teacher Mr Robinson added: “Students worked in groups developing not only their maths, but their teamwork and communication skills as well."

Pupils were supported by academy students throughout the day and, alongside the classroom work, had the chance to experience lunch in the school dining room as well as some Q&A's with the staff and students involved.