EAGER children at an independent school in Liphook have picked up exactly where they left off before the Christmas break.

The spring term at Highfield and Brookham Schools has already been incredibly busy – and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Year 2 youngsters at Brookham took an exciting trip to the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester which they described as “out of this world”, Year 4 immersed themselves in a day of rich and colourful African adventure complete with drumming, beading and dance courtesy of Southampton-based African Activities, and Year 8 went straight into study mode ahead of mock exams.

January also sees the start of the popular house creative writing competition, the resumption of external sports fixtures with netball and rugby matches against friendly rivals from Amesbury, Eagle House and Edgeborough, and a fun-filled boarding trip to Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell.

Add in a return visit from intrepid adventurer Nick Carter – who will regale Year 5 with his travel tales – cushion concerts, scholarship visits to Benenden and Bryanston and a Year 3 Burns Night ceilidh and it is an all-action month.

“One thing I truly love about our schools is the sheer enthusiasm of our children,” said Highfield headmaster Phillip Evitt.

“After the Christmas break, one could perhaps expect a degree of tardiness and listlessness, but that’s definitely not the case with our wonderful children.

“The first week of term saw a happy and seamless transition back into school life from all year groups – both in and out of the classroom – and it’s been an absolute pleasure to hear the vibrant sounds of busy and excited pupils around the school once more.

“And I’m delighted to say the children have so much more in store.”