THE sun set over the African plains above Ilkley this weekend as the reception children at Westville House School in Ilkley enjoyed an African safari adventure.

With activities ranging from making tribal crowns, whittling sticks on which to toast marshmallows, making African music, to creating an authentic African Safari camp in the wonderful school grounds, the children revelled in continuing their classroom learning in the great outdoors.

Everyone excitedly pitched tents and huddled in their sleeping bags around the camp fire making pancakes and toasting marshmallows. The stars twinkled as the children made music on didgeridoos and sang African songs.

Mrs Jules Coulthurst, reception teacher said: “We made Africa come to life for all the children. They had so much fun, yet learned so much. It was a magical night time experience in the fabulous grounds of the school, creating inspirational memories for the children."

Mr Ian Shuttleworth, headmaster, said: “It is great for the children to experience activities such as this. Our recent pirate activity day, with galleons galore, was another example of the ingenious way our staff engage our pupils, so that learning is dynamic and inspirational. To bring the curriculum to life is an essential way to enthuse, fascinate and excite a child.”