School beats out a rhythm to see off summer term

STAFF, students and their families at the Forum School in Shillingstone got into the festival spirit to mark the end of the summer term.

Music, face painting, clay modelling, African drumming and paint balling were all part of the programme at the school’s funky festival, held on the school field with its spectacular views of Hambledon Hill across the valley.

The morning opened with a lively rendition of Oasis’ “Songbird”, performed by teaching assistant Neville Port, Peter Batty, who teaches African drumming at the school, and 15 year-old Gervais Thomas. Students enjoyed squidging their toes in jelly, looking for buried treasure in a tray of cooked pasta and making handprints in clay with Dorset artist Des Olner.

Headteacher Adrian Wylie said: “It’s a celebration of summer and the end of school year.

“With all the recent focus on the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury, we wanted to capture some of the same fun.

“It’s a chance for everyone to relax together and enjoy a shared experience.”