Year 8 pupils at Orwell Park Prep School celebrated their time together with a trip down the River Ardeche in France.

The pupils, who will be moving on to different secondary schools in September, travelled to the river which begins in the Alps for a seven day canoeing and camping trip.

All of their possessions were stored in waterproof barrels in their canoes and the pupils had to negotiate several areas of rapids on the river before arriving at the finish area to camp and enjoy themselves.

During the trip 18-year-old gap year student Kate Phillips from Sydney, Australia, who is spending a year at the school as a supervisor, took part in one of the river’s rituals.

At the famous landmark known as ‘The Devil’s Leap’ there is a 40ft ledge that offers a clean jump into the river below. Although the pupils were not allowed to try it, Kate was encouraged to give it a go and climbed up with the local guide before making the jump.