CHILDREN have been given their first taste life at a secondary school.

Pupils who left 12 primary schools last term yesterday finished a week of activities at Churchfields School.

The 57 children were encouraged to learn more about cooking, movie making, first aid and the martial art ninjitsu in order to get them used to the Salcombe Grove school, which they will attend from September.

Acting head of Year 9 Russell Langdown said: “It enabled the students to become more familiar with their surroundings.

“Everything they were doing had a learning experience to it.

“It is about giving them opportunities in a fun way. Teachers were impressed with their enthusiasm and capability.”

Science teacher Guy Green ran cooking lessons, which included a demonstration of how to make sweet and sour chicken.

He said: “The key thing for me is that students learn to cook with fresh ingredients, which is healthier.”

Future Churchfields pupil Alex Wells, 11, from Swindon town centre, said: “I am really excited about going to secondary school.

“This experience has helped me get used to it. I have also got to meet new people.”

Former Lainesmead Primary School pupil James Easton, 11, said: “Going to secondary school is quite scary but fun at the same time.”