STUDENTS from a school at the centre of a national debate about education have 'escaped to the country' on a residential field trip.
While campaigners continue to fight for the future of The Durham Free School, life is carrying on as normal for pupils with the annual trip to the Yorkshire Dales.
They spent two nights at Grinton Lodge youth hostel, which was the first time away from home for several children.
As well as a host of team building exercises, including taking part in a talent show and a fashion show with clothes made out of newspaper, the Year 7 pupils completed two walks in and around Reeth, and went swimming and did building functions fieldwork in Richmond.
The trip incorporated aspects of the curriculum including geography, history, art, communications and leadership, as well as the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Jamie Hurton, 11, said: "I've never been here before. It's really cool and old and there are lots of hills and stone walls. We've climbed some of the hills on walks. It's been really good."
Back in Durham, Year 8 students also enjoyed three days of activities including a trip to Beamish Museum, a World War Two project day and a science, technology and engineering day building robots.
Deputy headteacher and trip leader Julie Normanton said: "It's been wonderful for the children to get out into the great outdoors and experience a very different environment to the one they're used to.
