An Ipswich primary school embarked on a world first video project yesterday, as pupils began filming for a virtual reality guided tour of the school.

Ipswich Star: St Pancras Catholic Primary School in Ipswich filmed a video tour of the school, carried out by year six pupils with the help of BT. Pictured is Shannon. Picture: GREGG BROWNSt Pancras Catholic Primary School in Ipswich filmed a video tour of the school, carried out by year six pupils with the help of BT. Pictured is Shannon. Picture: GREGG BROWN

St Pancras Catholic Primary School in Stratford Road, Ipswich, employed a 360-degree camera with year six pupils going around the school throughout the day to capture the scenes.

As well as giving a guided tour, which will also feature an audio track, the video aims to highlight all the aspects of a day at St Pancras – from toast and reading at breakfast club in the morning to afternoon prayers.

Richard Williams, year six teacher and project co-ordinator, said: “When we told the kids they would be doing a VR project they literally screamed they were so excited.

“People will be able to strap on a head set or using their mobile phone or iPad they can literally look around them and see what’s going on in St Pancras on an ordinary day like today.”

While a VR tour has been done at one private school, it is believed it is the first time a primary school has undertaken the project, and also the first time it will be guided with explanations from the staff and students.

Volunteers from BT came in with the camera to help instruct the pupils about the technology, and help them carry out the filming.

Isobel Pierce, a pupil at the school who took part in the filming said: “It’s good fun.

“We have to make sure that the whole room has to be ready as soon as we press record, because the camera sees everything. We’ve had to explain to the youngest children exactly what they need to be doing.

Ipswich Star: St Pancras Catholic Primary School in Ipswich filmed a video tour of the school, carried out by year six pupils with the help of BT. Pictured is Shannon. Picture: GREGG BROWNSt Pancras Catholic Primary School in Ipswich filmed a video tour of the school, carried out by year six pupils with the help of BT. Pictured is Shannon. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“We want the video to look natural, like an ordinary day in our amazing school.”

Alongside the camera and technology skills, the project is also fostering team-work, management and responsibility and delegating skills – all planned, directed and organised by year six pupils.

Mr Williams added: “It’s always good to think of new ways to be creative with children.

“Being creative is something that is so important for children to learn, whether it’s with a pencil or a VR camera.

“That’s why our children have planned out all of this guided tour they have thought about – which classes to go to, what activities to show, even down to where the camera is placed in the room.”