A FLEET of rafts were paddled the length of a Thornbury primary school swimming pool as the culmination of a shipshape science day.

With the help of teachers Dr K (Andy Kirkup) and Long Grant Silver (Clive Grant), buoyant pupils at Gillingstool Primary School set about investigating water in a series of science experiments that would help the school’s resident explorer, Flora, to escape from an island on which she had become stranded.

Water filtration systems, water clocks, water cannons and waterproofing as well as ideas for materials that float, and designs for boats were all investigated by the pupils before they reported back to Dr K and Long Grant Silver.

They were rewarded with a whole school challenge - to make a raft that Dr K and fellow teacher Tom Mullins could paddle the length of the school swimming pool.

Bamboo, bottles, tape and string were all used by the children to build 20 rafts, many of which subsequently made successful maiden voyages in the school’s pool.

Action from the swimming pool action was fed back to the pupils in the school hall via a video feed.

Andy Kirkup, Gillingstool Primary’s science co-ordinator said: “It was fantastic to see all of the pupils completely focussed on their science experiments and having great fun.

“The children all had a fabulous day, improved their scientific investigation skills and helped Flora to escape from the desert island.”