PUPILS and staff donned masks and capes at Olveston C of E Primary School to learn about the superpowers they possess.


Classrooms were filled with superheroes this week in the form of Batman, Superman, Catwoman, Captain America and many more.


The school, in Elberton Road, hosted the special superhero-themed day to build pupils’ “learning power”.


Pupils throughout the school enjoyed a variety of hands-on tasks based around the powers of resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness and reciprocity – “the four Rs”.


The year groups were mixed to allow pupils in their school houses with older pupils helping younger years through a series of challenges.


Deputy head teacher and curriculum leader Maria Vizard said the superhero theme was a big hit at the school.


“It’s been really successful, the children have really enjoyed all the activities,” she said.


“Mixing the year groups is really important for their learning and communication skills. When they’re having fun, they don’t even realise they’re learning at the same time.”


Pupils competed in their school houses for points and were challenged with writing a story about the four superheroes, derived from the four Rs – Reso, Res, Recipo and Refecto. The winning story will award the pupil 50 points for their house.


Year Six pupil and school ambassador Erin Peshkin, 10, said: “I’ve really liked building the dens, which we did in groups of four. We have a play pen, which is full of good sort of junk, like cardboard boxes, and we use the materials to make the dens. It’s really fun.”


Fellow pupil Ellen Ford, 10, said she bought her Superwoman costume especially for the day.


“I really like the dressing up, I got this last week ready for today,” she said.


A messy challenge pupils faced was building a tower of spaghetti and marshmallows – having to use the four “Rs” to enhance their practical skills.


Year Six teacher Philippa Seymour said pupils responded well and thoroughly enjoyed the packed day of activities.


“They don’t know it, but they are demonstrating the four Rs all the time,” she said.


“It’s been really fantastic, and the children all look amazing in their costumes, they went to a lot of effort.”


Head teacher Amanda Luke said the theme day brought a huge amount of energy to the school.


“It’s been a real community event with all the staff dressing up too – as well as kitchen staff – and parents helping to get costumes together.


“We want all our children to reach their full potential. Learning to learn is a life skill that they can take with them onto the next stage of their learning journey.”