Primary school leavers pay exciting visit to Inverclyde Academy

Staff at the secondary teamed up with Active Schools to welcome a group of P7 pupils to the school.

The youngsters got the chance to find out more about science, orienteering and sport and were treated to a tour of the building.

Depute head Gordon Livingstone said Active Schools provided sports and team building activities and staff worked on other areas which will help the kids adjust as they start on August 18.

Gordon said: "It's been a really strange experience for them over the last 18 months, so thinking about starting high school was even more daunting for them.

"Bringing them into the school takes that fear away.

"They've had a tour of the school to make sure they're comfortable with getting around.

"It's about demystifying the process for them."

Around 40 children from seven schools across Inverclyde attended each of the sessions and Gordon said the youngsters made new friends in the activities.

He added: "They've not been able to mix with other children either [during the pandemic lockdown] so this gives them a chance to do that.

"Each day has been different for them and the feedback has been really good.

"It's nice to see them day-to-day and they're getting to know each other."

As part of the transition days, young people got chance to try out a fire experiment with science teacher John Harkins and also met one of the many creatures in his room - Yahoo the bearded dragon.

Young sports stars meanwhile got the chance to try out boccia in the gym.

Pupil Tori McPherson, 12, from Whinhill, said she had a great time.

She said: "It's been really good.

"On the first day we were taken on a tour and I feel better now that I know how to get around the school.

"That will definitely help me on my first day."