PUPILS and teachers at Darwen Vale High School have spent part of their Easter holiday working to push up grades.

Children from primary schools across Blackburn with Darwen took part in literacy and numeracy sessions while older pupils practised revision techniques for their GCSEs.

The sessions were organised and taught by staff at the Bolton Road secondary school, which also provided transport for all 100 participants, with help from Venture Zone advisory teachers.

The primary pupils were personally invited to the intensive literacy and numeracy days to boost their skills in important areas of the curriculum.

The 30 year-11 students, due to sit GCSEs next month, learnt study skills, mind-mapping techniques and preferred learning styles.

Teaching and learning co-ordinator Colette Roberts said: "The pupils have shown excellent motivation in attending. This is part of the school's commitment to improve standards."