St Bartholomew's School pupils from Years 5 and 6 have produced their own newspapers with well illustrated reports on their recent adventurous weeks in Wales.

Danywenallt Study Centre, in the Brecon Beacons, was the base for the children's expeditions and exploration of woods, waterfalls and wildlife.

Samantha Davies, ten, reported on a memorable walk behind the spectacular waterfall of Sgwd-yr-eira, accomplished in single file, hand-in-hand with adults. "It was a great experience," one pupil said. "We were very excited. It was nerve-wracking, deafening and scary"

"I found it absolutely breathtaking and got drenched," said James Rothwell.

The children marvelled at the water creatures they found on a pond-dipping expedition A visit to the Big Pit mining museum, and a trip 300 ft underground gave insights into the harsh working conditions endured by children long ago.

"I was amazed," said Natalie Stephenson. "It was funny when the guide asked if we had any sweets for the horse, because the horse wasn't real and he ate the sweets himself. There were 47 stables for the horses. They were so unlucky because once they worked down the mine they wouldn't see daylight again."

Pupils carefully set humane traps which offered food and shelter to small mammals in the woods and studied the captives before their release

A sensory walk in the woods involved using and appreciating various senses.

They listened for bird and animal sounds, and used a bat detector to pick up the high pitched voices of bats.

Teacher Jane Sinclair said: "They all thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Now they are able to use a lot of their experiences in literacy and science."