A GROUP of school pupils from Winterbourne are heading to Mexico to help deprived primary schoolchildren.

The 15 Year 10 and 11 students at Winterbourne International Academy are busy fundraising for the tip to Yucatán in 2017. The visit, which will include cultural and educational visits, will be funded entirely by the group’s fundraising efforts.

During the trip, the teenagers will be staying with Spanish speaking host families, and participating in a number of trips such as visiting the Mayan ruins, museums and seeing flamingos in an ecological wildlife reserve.

But the main reason for the visit is to help upgrade an impoverished primary school in the village of Mocochá.

Head of Year 13 Emma Kirby, who is organising the trip, said the academy had developed a link with the Mexican primary school over the past four years.

She said: “Over the four years since Winterbourne International Academy have worked with the school they have completely transformed their outdoor play area and provided valuable teaching and learning resources.

“The visit is funded through the fundraising efforts by the participating students, and there are multiple fundraising events coming up in the next month.”

She added: “We would like to thank everyone who has donated so far to help the students with their fundraising.”

The group has already held cake sales during parents evening and sold refreshments during academy events.

Team Mexico is next holding a quiz night on Friday, July 1 at The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne. Entrance is £2.50 per person and students will be serving Mezze style tapas, food and drink will also be available, along with prizes for the winning teams.