PRIMARY school pupils went on a trip around the world last week – in Upton.
Almost 200 Year 6 pupils from Acresfield, Mill View, Newton, Hoole, Guilden Sutton, Chester Bluecoat, Elton, Dee Point, Highfield, The Arches, Meadow and St Winefride’s primary schools took part in a Global Challenge day at Upton-by-Chester High School.
The It’s a Knockout-style event saw the youngsters complete 20 fun packed stations related to the theme of creating global, caring citizens.
Acresfield A walked away with the gold medal, Newton B took silver and Guilden Sutton B the bronze.
Year 10 students from the high school led the activities acting as station leaders, buddies, first aid, meeters and greeters, scorers, timers and officials.
A highlight was a giant inflatable obstacle course.
Upton headteacher Jane Holland said: “All the games were based on real situations from around the world.
“For example, in one game, students carried water on their heads. In another they have to work as a team to get family and belongings across flood waters using gym mats as rafts and in a third they have to try and get their coffee beans to the markets in the West.”
She added: “Learning gains are made in maths and communication skills, physical education, citizenship, teamwork, problem solving, geography, health and safety and art and design.
“The Year 6 students moving to a large high school like ours know that they already have friends amongst the older students, barriers are broken down and any anxieties eased.
“It is exhilarating as a member of staff watching from the sidelines. “Once the planning is done and the props are in place, a light touch from staff is all that is needed.
“Every year, our students, without exception, experience a glow of pride from the praise of primary school teachers and the wonderful letters of thanks that are addressed to them personally by the children.”
