There is no stopping pupils at Delamere Academy in their quest for new outdoor challenges.

The school, in Stoney Lane, has recently earned a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Bronze Award, recognising its work towards ensuring children are educated in the open air.

And in the space of an action-packed week they have travelled far and wide, taking on activities including camping, setting fires, open water swimming and obstacle courses.

Deputy Headteacher Ricky Huddart said: “We are a happy, thriving school and our love of the outdoors plays a huge part in this.

“I am so impressed with how all the children approached these activities, even when they came up against jelly fish in the open water swim!

“And we’re lucky to have a very dedicated team of teaching staff, and parent helpers, who are always willing to go the extra mile to make these events possible.”

Year 6 pupils visited Tattenhall for a ‘getting to know you’ camping experience, where they were set tasks including completing a blindfolded obstacle course, setting a fire, learning to tie knots and fashioning grizzly masks on trees.

Earlier in the week, they were joined by Year 5 children for a splash of open water swimming in the River Mersey.

During the visit to Liverpool’s Queen’s Dock, they were also taught a range of life-saving skills which could keep themselves - and others - safe in the water.

Delamere is part of the North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which also runs St Martin’s at Chester, Oak View at Winsford and Ellesmere Primary in Shropshire.

All the schools believe getting children out of the classroom to gain new and exciting experiences is a vital part of their education.

The former Rudheath High School, Northwich, and Wallerscote Primary School, Weaverham, will also join the Trust from November.

Steve Docking, CEO of NWAT, said: “Our ‘can do’ culture means children spend a substantial amount of time learning outside the classroom.

“This broad programme of learning enables children to achieve well in all areas and is securing high attainment and levels of progress throughout our schools.”

• Delamere Academy is holding an open morning on Saturday, October 20 from 9.30am to noon. An open afternoon will be held on Wednesday, November 21, from 1.30-5.30pm.

For more information email: admin@delamere.cheshire.sch.uk or tel:

01829 707 979.