BRANCHING OUT: Adventures in the trees are part of life in a school where survival lessons are on the curriculum.

Pupils at Hollywall Primary School in Burnaby Road, Sandyford, enjoy weekly classes in outdoor skills.

The school becomes an Adventure Island every Monday as forest expert Christian Fox teaches the youngsters what to do if they were stranded on a desert island, including building shelters and filtering water.

Pupils from years four to six are participating in the sessions.

Headteacher Nichola Gibson said: "I'm really excited about the impact of this project.

"The children are still learning about subjects such as science, geography and design - but they often don't realise this because they are busy having so much fun."

Pictured are pupils Steven Gratty and Chloe Wright, both aged nine.

Picture: Shaun Smith