AN Alresford school has given its leaving pupils a departure to remember.

Teachers at Sun Hill Junior School helped organise a ‘Leavers Week’ for Year 6 pupils about the head to secondary school.

Rather than organising a typical ‘residential’ at a specific venue, the staff decided to take matters into their own hands and put on a week of many different activities and adventures.

Parent Nicky Gower said: “The effort and dedication the staff of Sun Hill Juniors have shown our children this week has been exceptional. We could not have asked for more. At a time of limitations; when our children have been unable to socialise, get out and about and experience new things, the staff went out of their way to make Leavers’ Week all the bigger, brighter and more enjoyable for our Year 6s.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for helping them make so many special memories.”

The children spent two days doing outdoor pursuits (including paddle boarding, abseiling, fire lighting, camouflage racing at Fairthorne Manor), followed by a day at Chessington World of Adventures, then a sports and creative arts day run by specialists at school

This was followed by a movie premier night watching their own Year 6 Leaver’s Production. The events culminated in a camp out on the school field, with a ‘posh barbecue’.

Joshua Gower, age 11, said: “This was the BEST week ever. I can’t believe how many activities our teachers organised for us in one week. I am sad this is our last week at Sun Hill Juniors, but I am so lucky to have gone here.”

Amelia Lakeman, also 11, said: “It was amazing! We had so many laughs and made so many memories.”

“The teachers gave us something different than we’ve done before, and they all joined in too!” Freddy Williams, 11, added: “The teachers gave us something different than we’ve done before, and they all joined in too!”

Dylan Clarke, 10, said: “It was the best week of school I’ve ever had.

“The teachers were kind and looked out for me and I am really thankful they made it such an amazing week.”

Headteacher Sue Griffiths added: “This year, due to the pandemic, we were unable to run our usual Year 6 residential where our pupils would spend a week away from school and home, and so we needed to think of the best alternative so our Year 6 pupils would not miss-out.

“Our Year 6 teachers and school office manager worked wonders and came up with an action-packed week which allowed our children to experience all the aspects of a residential and more within the parameters we were set.

“I was so impressed with our Year 6 pupils as they paddle boarded, kayaked, abseiled, worked in teams, sang campfire songs, rode rollercoasters, pitched-up tents, played games and supported each other through the week. I will always remember this week and I hope they do too.”