Tutors bringing fun activities to schools

Pupils are being given the chance to take part in a range of outdoor activities from their own school playground.

Tutors from Derwent Hill, Sunderland City Council’s outdoor education centre, are working with the city’s schools remotely during the pandemic.

They are visiting Year five and six pupils who would normally be going to Derwent Hill for a residential visit, but have had their trips cancelled due to Covid-19.

Instead, the students are taking part in activities around team building, problem solving and communication in their own schools to help them re-engage with their classmates.

Bubbles from each class will be taking part in these on-site activity days until the May half term.

Matthew Ellis, Derwent Hill’s centre director, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Sunderland schools back to the centre for high-quality outdoor education residentials.

“However, in the meantime, our tutors are working with youngsters at their schools and providing some really fun activities to make sure that they don’t have to miss out altogether.

“Our focus is on supporting children with their return to school and the activities we are delivering are designed to help youngsters re-engage with each other, solve problems and work in teams.”

CllrLoui se Far thing, Sunderland City Council’ s cabinet member for children, learning and skills, said: “As well as developing some valuable skills, I hope these activity days are helping to make the return to the school even more enjoyable.”