Pupils pay for summer school

Pupils paid for private lessons themselves

Students at a comprehensive school in a deprived area of south west Wales have paid out of their own pockets for more lessons.

The teenagers, from Sandfields comprehensive school in Port Talbot, took the extra study classes on a Saturday to prepare for their GCSE exams next year.

The school is in a deprived area

Forty students each paid £5, with the school covering the remainder for the private tuition.

Staff also gave up their spare time free of charge to help the students.

Student Marc Antolin, 15, said it was a fun way of learning new things.

He said: "It was not a lesson as such and we learned new revising techniques.

"It was well worth it."

Fellow pupil Katie Davies, 15, agreed.

She said: " I got a lot out of it and found it very interesting.

"We were told you can improve your grades by 25% just by taking deep breaths before going into an exam.

"I learned how to improve my memory and how one word can trigger about 10 others."

Head teacher Paul Russell said the pupils are very committed to achieving better results.

"The response from the children has been excellent," he said.

"Sandfields is in a fairly deprived area, but the pupils have worked hard to get their attitude right.

"They realise attaining their qualifications are more important than ever and are prepared to sacrifice some of their leisure time.

Positive attitude

Mr Russell added: "Four members of staff gave up their weekend for free in order to help them.

"I think that if you let the pupils know what you expect, rather than just telling them to do something, they will rise to the task."

More than 40 pupils wanted to attend the class which took place earlier this month but the available places went to those who paid first.

In addition, pupils are also attending after-school homework clubs on Friday evenings.