THERE are many ways to learn about hot air balloons, but few are better than riding in one yourself.

Pupils at Longfields Primary School and Nursery in Bicester went up into the air with their teachers on Tuesday, as part of their projects about balloons, travel and the Jules Verne novel Around the World in Eighty Days.

Headteacher Paul Hollidge, who took on the job last Christmas, said: “On Monday we had the balloon filled up and the children were allowed inside it while it was lying on the ground, which they loved.

“And on Tuesday we went up in the air in two hot air balloons. It’s been fantastic.

“We tend to do something at the beginning of each term to inspire the children and get them excited about learning and investigating.

“There has been a great buzz here and the kids were all very excited this morning.”

In the past, Mr Hollidge added, the school has had snow delivered to its grounds, as well as a man-made beach and even a mock “alien landing”.

Macy Nash, 10, said of her balloon ride: “It was the best experience at school and a once-in-a-lifetime oppportunity.”

 

 

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