Students of The Wey Valley Academy in Weymouth took a break from lockdown over the summer term to take part in some outdoor activities thanks to support from local groups.

Dorset Council provided funding for a group of vulnerable and key worker students to spend one day a week at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre doing a range of activities, from escape room puzzle solving to kayaking and climbing.

The Will Mackaness Trust provided support through a water sports programme for those students who had remained in school during the lockdown. The Official Test Centre on Portland provided students with a Level 1 introduction to windsurfing courses and The Adventure for All Team provided key worker students with a weekly adventure on the kayaks or stand up paddleboards.

Assistant vice principal Mark Salmon said the activities were a massive boost to the students, especially after the stress of lockdown and the pandemic.

He said: "The opportunity to work with students in the outdoors has been really positive for our students’ mental and physical wellbeing during these difficult times. Some of the students have attended school throughout the lockdown and the ability to educate them out of the classroom in a safe environment has been first class. The local outdoor adventure providers have all been professionally outstanding, ensuring Covid-19 procedures are in place and that the students learn whilst having fun. We look forward to working with them in the future."