DRESSED in jeans and tracksuits, you might expect children to be relaxing in parks or shopping centres after breaking up from school.

But a dedicated few have returned to their desks for summer school and are learning a range of subjects to prepare for life as a senior.

Most secondary schools in East Lancashire have laid on academic provision to fill the yawning six-week break until September.

And at Witton Park High School, in Buncer Lane, around 70 pupils readied themselves for high school with psychology, numeracy and literacy.

Some are from the Gifted and Talented strand, with funding from the school's Excellence in Cities budget, while others have been chosen by teachers for the Head Start programme.

Co-ordinator Louise Stubbs said: "I'm On Summer School, Get Me Out of Here... has been a huge hit. We have organised lots of activities to give a taste of life at senior school and ease the transition for pupils. They are doing new subjects like psychology and cooking challenges. It is real dedication on the part of the staff as this time comes out of their summer holidays."

Teacher Clare Hodgson added: "The atmosphere is far more laid back and there are not the same behavioural issues, so the pace is different. Learning at summer school is more fun-orientated so youngsters don't always realise they are studying."

Accrington's Moorhead School has offered maths classes for six years. Its co-ordinator, Nick Whitelaw, said: "At the very least it orientates Year 6s around the school and makes them want to come here."

Nelson and Colne College is also offering the chance to join its popular sessions.

The six other secondaries running summer schools are Darwen Moorland, Darwen Vale, Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College, St Bede's Sports College, Pleckgate and Beardwood.