CHILDREN at Alexandra Park Junior School in Oldham have been treated to a visit by staff from the Castleshaw Centre for Outdoor Education, based in the Peak District National Park.

The youngsters in Years Four and Five would normally go on a trip to the centre, but such excursions have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Shool bosses say Castleshaw offered a fantastic in school experience.

The children the local park, Alexandra Park, and went on a bug hunt.

There, they found bugs and sorted them into differing categories.

Then they had to classify them using their classification keys. Even the damp weather didn't stop the intrepid bug explorers who enjoyed a long day outdoors.

For Year Five, the sessions were part of the schools catch up curriculum, covering material that has been taught at home during the previous lockdowns.

Teacher Samantha Nicholson-Hickling said: "While we can't re-do everything the children have done at home, we can pick and choose those things we feel need additional support.

"Science is often experiment based, very hands on and supported in school.

"Most families are not able to replicate this at home like the can maths or reading. Our science leader has been fantastic in re-mapping our curriculum to allow all the topics that were taught during lockdown to be taught in school across a three year catch up plan.

"The children have really enjoy their experience and even though it was wet, they were able to get hands on with some creepy crawlies."

Castleshaw's staff commented on how beautifully behaved the children were, and how well mannered they were.

Mrs Nicholson-Hickling added: "Our children always make a fantastic impact on our visitors and I am really proud of them.

"This has just gone to show that even during these strange times, our children know the basics of being good people. And even in terrible weather, they follow our school motto. never never never give up!"