Pupils at Cowley St John Upper School in Oxford abandoned their normal timetable for a week-long arts and sports festival.

‘Lessons’ included acting, handling office equipment, candle-making, wood-carving, CB radio, experimental music, five-a-side football, print-making, yoga and fishing.

Pictured above experimenting with theatrical make-up are Tracy Smith, 13, and Debbie Barlow, 14, back, and Jackie Reid, 14, and Alison Webster, 13, in front.

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Evening activities included dance and performances of a school play and an Old Tyme Music Hall.

The activities were co-ordinated by Harvey Grossman, head of expressive arts at the school. He said: “We are looking to a time when pupils will have to be prepared for leisure.”

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