HIGH-flying pupils have got off to the best possible start at secondary school thanks to the time they spent over the summer back in the classroom.

For the second year running, Canon Slade hosted a summer school aimed at nurturing the talents of gifted pupils who entered the secondary school at the start of the autumn term.

A total of 30 pupils taken from Canon Slade's feeder primary schools were invited to take part in the summer school funded by Bolton Local Education Authority (LEA).

The children were chosen due to their outstanding performances in the SAT tests -- each scoring level five or above.

And during their summer sojourn the pupils were given the chance to try their hand at a range of projects aimed at helping flex both their physical and mental muscles.

In just one week the group of 11 and 12-year-olds gained a handy working knowledge of German, honed their computer skills, were given the chance to gain a qualification in tennis, were tested on their engineering skills and waxed lyrical with poetry workshops to name but a few of the activities on offer.

For the German skills, language teacher Jenny Statham set up a typical German-style cafe.

"Food and drink on offer were all from Germany and if the children did not order in German they did not get served," said Miss Statham.

"It was a fun way of introducing the children to a new language and a different culture and they grasped the basics very quickly and could now ask for things if they went to Germany."

The project was one of a number organised to help talented youngsters maximise their potential.

Canon Slade specialist science teacher Dr Bulvinder Michael said it had many benefits.

"Most importantly it has given the children an introduction to their new school and helped to dispel any fears or worries they may have had," she said.

"After being together at the summer school the children have already made new friends and have taken to school life really well. We had some very bright young people who took to all the activities and I think we have already seen some who will be star performers at the school in years to come."

Despite giving up some of their precious summer holidays, the pupils were in agreement that they had learned some valuable lessons.

Pupil Amber Jones said: "When I was told I was going on the summer school I was very excited. We have learned a lot of things like German and how to use a computer. I have definitely got a lot out of it."

Fellow pupil Stephen Foreman said: "We learned about poetry, music and even dance which we weren't sure about at first but it was great."