Teachers at Workington Academy dressed up as science fiction film and book characters to welcome more than 300 primary school children.

Year six pupils from Distington, Ashfield, Victoria, Westfield, Derwent Vale, Seaton, St Patrick’s, St Gregory’s and Northside schools enjoyed activities including drama and science sessions as part of a transition day with a science fiction theme.

Alison Williamson, English teacher at Workington Academy, said: "The transition day is an opportunity for the students to get together and experience what life is like in secondary school. They can meet their peers and have a bit of fun while getting used to coming here. It can be quite daunting for children to move onto secondary schools and today also gives them a chance to find out what our curriculum offers."

Children got to create their own characters based on a story line, create comic books based on science fiction novels and take part in Star Wars themed science activities.
Mrs Williamson said: "The kids have really enjoyed themselves and there's been lots of engagement, which was nice to see.

"Often primary school children think that secondary school teachers are scary. But coming here and seeing us in costume and getting to meet us they see we can be just as fun."

Matthew Knott, a St Gregory's Primary School pupil, said his favourite activity was making slime in the science lab.

He said: "I think it's really good that other schools get to come here all together. I've had fun making slime, this was my favourite."

Shanade Nixon, of Westfield primary school, said: "I've had a good time today. I'd never made slime before and this was my favourite activity."

Jacob Fryer, who attends Ashfield Junior School, said: "The science fiction theme is really good, Star Wars in my favourite film."

Jake Fitzsimmons, who also attends Ashfield Junior School, said his favourite activity was the drama sessions. He said: "I liked it because we got to act parts of Star Wars."