PUPILS were all smiles as they were given awards for exceptional achievements made throughout the past year.

The Year 7 youngsters at St Wilfrid’s CofE Academy in Blackburn had been set a series of challenges to work hard and learn new skills, both in and out of school.

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The tasks, which were designed to be “character-building”, covered both academic and extra-curricula activities.

They included reading at least 10 books, undertaking maths challenges, gaining at least 95 per cent marks for attendance and punctuality, getting good behaviour marks reports, and completing challenges with their classmates such as putting on pantomimes and taking part in sports.

The 11 and 12-year-olds also had to raise at least £15 for charity and do voluntary work for different community groups.

Adam Bond, IT teacher, said the challenges were a great way for the pupils to get stuck into life at secondary school and develop their characters going into their teenage years.

“A lot of them said they really enjoyed it and got a great sense of being part of the school and learning new skills.”

Of the 250 who took part, 105 completed the tasks to be given a ‘Wilfridian Award’ badge at a ceremony held in front of their families, the Mayor of Blackburn Councillor Faryad Hussain, and cathedral dignitaries.

Special recognition was given to Lydia Wilcock who raised £351 for charity and helped out at her old school, Huncoat Primary, in her spare time.

And Hazaifah Valli, who was born with a heart defect, was commended for helping to raise £3,500 by organising an own clothes day and persuading the council to ask other schools to do the same, in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Other children at the Duckworth Street school helped clear a quarry and assisted in the teaching of English to asylum seekers.

Mr Bond, who is also a student voice co-ordinator, said: “It was a great way to get the children to try new things, work hard and take pride in their achievements.

“And it was fantastic for them to stand up in front of everyone and be recognised for what they’ve done.”