Rewarding rides for star students

Young achievers from a Hunstanton secondary had their hard work recognised when they enjoyed a visit to one of the UK’s most popular theme parks.

The Year 11 students from Smithdon High School made the three-and-a-half-hour coach journey to Alton Towers for the school’s annual Reward Trip, which was first introduced in 2019.

“Students with a good approach to school life are invited to join a trip allowing them to enjoy time with their Year group before the busy GCSE exam period,” explained event organiser Steve Chapman, Assistant Headteacher at Smithdon, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Accompanied by Assistant Headteacher Dan Ward, Year 11 Tutor Natalie Carlton, Cover Supervisor Krista Drage, and Learning Support Assistant Hayley Smith, the 53-strong group ate breakfast at Grantham Services on the way to the resort, and also stopped there on the way home for a burger.

During their Alton Towers adventure, the students were able to experience a wide variety of rides and attractions, which included the ‘big seven coasters’ – Oblivion, Nemesis, Galactica, Rita, Wicker Man, Thirteen, and the notorious, 14-loop Smiler – along with new introduction Nemesis Reborn, which was launched earlier this year.

“Trips of this kind are important, as they allow students to spend time together in a different environment to school, as well as rewarding them for their achievements throughout their time in school, added Mr Chapman.

“It was an excellent day, thoroughly enjoyed by staff and students – and worth the 6am start.”