HUNDREDS of children at a local primary school watched and learned how to practise circus skills and artwork as part of a special day of celebration.

The occasion at Wilsden Primary last Wednesday, (March 22) was organised to mark the school's joining of the Focus Academy Trust.

As reported earlier this year, Wilsden Primary is among 15 schools making up the trust, which was set up in 2012.

Head teacher John Davison said every pupil at the school had a chance to take part in the celebrations.

"They all said how much they'd enjoyed themselves, they had a fabulous day," he added.

"We got some expert, professional help in from outside to work with the children.

"We joined this trust because they are a very forward-thinking and supportive organisation.

"They are here to give us the challenges and the support we need to improve things even further for our children, and we are very much enjoying working with them."

Mr Davison explained that the specialist art sessions were provided by visiting artist Leanne Marsh, while the circus skills activities were laid on by a visiting duo of performers – "Peter Sensible" and "Stephanie Bubbles" of the Circus Sensible group.

This pair led pupils in juggling, Chinese ribbon twirling, and plate spinning, as well as showing them how to spin a traditional diabolo circus toy.

Mr Davison said these activities were based around Focus Academy Trust's four core values – "Care", "Fair", "Share" and "Dare" – with pupils learning how to practice and adapt when picking up new skills.

The activities were also designed to help them learn that it is fine to make mistakes when doing something unfamiliar.

Wilsden Primary, together with Thornton Primary, joined Focus Academy Trust on February 1 this year.

The trust has said "collaborative working" and sharing the most effective ways of educating children is a key part of its philosophy.

In 2016 the Government U-turned on its plans for every school in the country to become an academy by 2022.

But many Keighley and Bradford district primary schools are either on their way to leaving local authority control, or have already joined an academy trust.