PUPILS were put through their paces as part of an extreme classroom challenge project featuring an army assault course.

Students at Penkford School, which caters to children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties,got stuck into the six week challenge as part of a Key Stage 3 Resilience Project.

It was led by the school’s military mentor, Ciaran Muir, who is an amputee who served in Afghanistan.

He said: “The project has been incredibly successful. Pupils have been involved in personal challenges, have experienced team building activities, participated in a student enterprise competition and had a mock interview.

“We have also had several inspirational guest speakers in school like Corie Mapp, a double amputee who is a Paralympian bob-sleigher and Ashleigh Nugent also worked with the pupils on developing Music Raps on the theme of Confidence and Self Esteem.”

“Pupils have participated in several extreme classroom challenges recently, including reaching base camp of Mount Everest, cycling around Mont Blanc and kayaking down the River Ardeche.

“A military style assault course is another opportunity to show true grit and resilience.”

Headteacher Julie Johnson, said: “One of our aims is to help pupils manage their own behaviour and to be aware of their own mental health issues.

“Initiatives like our Resilience Project will have a lasting impact on our pupils and help them to develop coping strategies and transferrable skills.”