FUN, making friends and trying new things were all on the agenda at a special week for students set to join a Swindon secondary school.

The Commonweal School held its annual Summer School event, for Year 6 pupils entering Year 7 this month.

Held at the end of the summer holidays, 116 students took part in a selected course, choosing between sports, dance, art, music and drama.

“The Summer School is a great way for children to spend a relaxed week getting used to the layout of the school and getting to know some of the staff and other children," said Josie Williams, the school's community arts development officer, and the organiser of the week's events.

"This event helps to boost the children’s confidence and dispel concerns about coming up to 'big school'.

"We also had some Year 10 helpers who were a great help and excellent ambassadors for the school."

Among those taking part was youngster Francesca Rowe.

“I did science because it’s nice to try new things," she said.

"We made all sorts of different paper planes, and a really fun project called Protect Your Egg From Scrambling, where we had to make a machine to hold an egg and send it down a ramp without breaking it. Our egg had a seatbelt and our machine won."

Holly Bourne also took part ahead of starting at the school.

She said: “I was a bit worried about coming up to big school because I don’t like getting lost.

"Our teacher took us on a tour of the school which was great.

"I feel a lot more confident after doing the summer school."

For more information on Commonweal School log on to www.commonweal.co.uk.