ALEXANDRA Park Primary School pupils have been getting worldly wise and raising awareness about a number of issues on the social agenda.

From welcoming overseas visitors from Rocket World - which brings people from different countries to the classroom to help youngsters learn about far flung destinations and cultures - to tackling mental health and racism, children have immersed themselves in a host of extra-curricular activities.

Children came dressed in yellow to mark World Mental Health Day earlier this month. Year 3 teacher Hannah Culling led the event with an assembly aimed at inspiring pupils to think about how to look after their mental health and that of others.

PSHE co-ordinator Samantha Hickling said: "It's really important our children know about mental health and how to look after themselves. It was a fantastic day where the children have been able to talk openly. We want to remove that stigma that develops around mental health, and make it an important part of our curriculum."

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams paid a visit to see the pupils' work to highlight Stand Up to Racism and talk her work for the campaign and Oldham Athletic Football Club came in to lead an assembly on racism in football.

They also celebrated Show Racism the Red Card day, with the children coming into school wearing red and donating £1 to Stop Hate UK.

In the playground children chalked anti-hatred messages and made red cards to fasten to railings to spell out the message persecution and hate won't be tolerated in their classrooms.

Mrs Abrahams said: “I really enjoyed visiting Alexandra Park to see for myself the work pupils have been doing across the school to mark Stand Up to Racism.

"From having a visit from Oldham Athletic to creating red cards to display on Friday, I pay tribute to their efforts and look forward to joining them for the special assembly on Friday.”

A spokesperson for Stop Hate UK said: "Alexandra Park primary is a lovely school with beautiful, insightful children. Good luck with breaking down barriers and stopping hate."