Ref. 260668-53MOST youngsters would do anything to avoid school in the summer holidays.

However, a group of exceptional pupils at Churchfields have braved the heat to join the fortnight-long Summer Safari School for gifted and talented children.

The majority will be joining the Old Walcot school as year sevens in September, and the course aims to help bridge the gap between primary and secondary school.

In addition, gifted year eight and nine pupils already at the school have been taking part.

A total of 30 students have spent their days off learning about everything from ecology and local history to teamwork and African music.

Most days started with half an hour of silent reading before trips to the Steam museum and the Swindon Town Football Club study centre.

Art teacher Helen Flinders, who is co-ordinating the project, said: "The summer school gives more able pupils the chance to work with other students of the same level.

"It's purpose is essentially to develop their skills and talents.

"We have had very good attendance over the two weeks and that tells me they have thoroughly enjoyed it.

"It helps primary pupils with the transition to secondary school.

"When they come to Churchfields they will be able to continue where they left off and know people here."

This is the second time Churchfields has run such a summer school. Funding comes from Swindon Council's Excellence in Cities fund.

Abi Richardson, 13, from Old Walcot, is one of the year nine pupils involved.

She said: "I've had a good time, especially the trips out, because activities in Swindon are quite expensive and you can't afford to do something every day.

"It has been fun but we are learning as well. It is a different atmosphere to school.

"A lot of people who didn't get places were disappointed.

"Some of my friends wanted to hang around the streets but most of them are bored now."

Tom Smallbone, 12, from Old Walcot said: "I've got another month off so I don't mind giving up two weeks to come into school.

"We went up to The Lawns this morning to find out about the history of the Goddard family who lived there and wrote a report on it, which was interesting."