HIGH school students enjoyed an action-packed week of activities.

The events, organised at Bishop Heber High in Malpas, aimed to develop students’ skills and give them the opportunity to visit places of interest.

Year 9 students completed three challenges during a “Big Business Enterprise Day” and built a wooden shed which will be used as part of an eco project linked to establishing the pond and garden area at the school.

An outdoor mural was created to celebrate the school’s Artsmark Award while Year 6 students from Heber’s feeder primary schools attended a languages taster session.

Overseas visits included Year 9 water sports in France and a history trip to Istanbul.

All Year 7 students spent the full week at Menai in North Wales where they were involved in water sports, walking and raft building as well as enjoying an entertaining talent show.

Additional activities at the school included Chinese, citizenship and Duke of Edinburgh awards days, Planet Me, core subjects and computer, cookery and textile workshops.

“Yet again, this has been a fantastic week for students to explore and develop many skills,” said headteacher David Curry.

“Each year group has responded in an enthusiastic manner and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities available to them. Staff have worked hard to develop a successful itinerary which offers something special for every student.”

Year 9 students got to grips with the world of business and town planning during the activities week.

Working in groups of 10, the 12 teams completed three tasks which involved creating and designing a community, planning an event and developing a new soft drink.

Representatives from industry who supported the event included David Tanswell, of the Bolesworth Estate, who gave an insight into community and industry developments.

Heidi Paton, of Malpas-based Just Weddings, explained how she worked with clients to create an unforgettable day.

Calypso Soft Drinks provided marketing material and drink containers which students used in developing their soft drink.

The winning group was Michelle Mone’s team and the entrepreneurs of the day were Katie Lowe and Charles Watson.

Primary school youngsters had the chance to get to grips with European languages.

They used audio packages and played a variety of interactive games to introduce them to the French, Spanish, Italian and German which they will be taught at Bishop Heber.

david.norbury