NEW pupils at a secondary school were given the chance to calm their nerves with a bonding session at the world Scout headquarters.

Year 7 students at West Hatch High School, in Chigwell High Road, took part in an overnight stay at Gilwell Park, in Sewardstonebury, for a laid-back day of water fights and singing round the camp fire.

The annual event is designed to help pupils get to know each other better and support on the day is offered by sixth formers who act as mentors.

Sixth former Toby Corton said: “It was especially great working with the children who I'll be mentoring for the rest of the year, I got to know them really well.”

Headteacher Frances Howarth said: “Coming so early in their first term, this residential experience helps pupils to form good friendships with their peers. They develop new skills and have a clear understanding of what it means to be a West Hatch student.

“Staff value the event as it is a great opportunity to get to know them. It helps enormously with pupils feeling settled early on.”