Hundreds of youngsters, parents and carers enjoyed a wide range of exciting activities as Felixstowe Academy threw open its doors to give prospective students a taste of day-to-day life at the school.

Maidstone Campus hosted the open evening for Year 6 pupils from primary and junior schools in the area who in September will move to “big school” for the next stage of their education.

Youngsters were able to sample a wide range of displays and demonstrations and talk to academy students showing examples of their work and helping with presentations in their favourite subject areas, and also to staff.

Students dressed in onesies acted out the story of the Pied Piper in drama, while the jazz band entertained visitors in the music hall.

In the science department there was the chance to get involved in the activities and see gas-powered rockets, burning bubbles, flame testing and dissection experiments.

In the English department guests could enjoy poetry and newspaper creation activities, and in the maths rooms try code breaking, puzzle solving and Angry Birds. Among the other activities was the chance to try tasty biscuits for decoration and dipping with the food technology team.

Principal Andrew Salter said: “Staff and students worked together to welcome visitors and to share all the excellent and exciting opportunities available to all, whatever age or ability level, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all my staff and all those students who showed how proud they are of our academy.”