LITTLE stars of the future spent a day learning from the experts at the inaugural White Horse Federation literacy festival at Croft Primary School.

Eight children from each of the group's primaries visited the school last month to learn more about performance and drama with the support of Sixth Sense Theatre and Year 7 pupils at The Ridgeway, which is also part of the federation.

The workshop was part of the speaking and listening element of the curriculum, and was inspired by the presence of an under-used amphitheatre at Croft.

"It was a very very successful day and a lot of fun was had by all," said Amy Knight, literacy co-ordinator at Croft Primary School.

"It was a great collaboration between the schools and the Ridgeway, as well as Sixth Sense, which is what the White Horse Federation is all about.

"I just want to say a big thank you to Sixth Sense and the Ridgeway for being involved."

Where Key Stage 2 children worked with pupils from the Ridgeway, who had been learning about Shakespeare's The Tempest, younger children had a chance to learn about performance and public speaking using Julia Donaldson's works, Superworm and Room in the Broom.

Amy said: "After the workshops the children had a chance to perform in the amphitheatre, and the weather was perfect, especially since The Tempest is set on an island and there was a great big blue backdrop.

"They all really enjoyed themselves and it was great to see their work come together."

The day was rounded off with a mini Oscars ceremony to celebrate what the children had learned.