YOUNGSTERS at Bungay Primary School were tightrope-walking and juggling their way through their lessons this week as a circus arrived in the school grounds.

YOUNGSTERS at Bungay Primary School were tightrope-walking and juggling their way through their lessons this week as a circus arrived in the school grounds.

Circus Ferrel, based near Diss, set up their big top on the school field and taught the youngsters a variety of tricks as part of the pupils' studies.

Lessons throughout the school have been circus-themed this term, and the arrival of Circus Ferrel was all part of their learning.

They were treated to a private performance from Circus Ferrel, and the children were allowed out onto the field on Monday to see the big top go up.

They were even given the opportunity to appear in the circus's public shows to show off their skills Wednesday evening and this weekend.

“We've been building up to it for three weeks,” explained Iain Owens, head teacher at the school. “It's the main focus of the half-term. The kids are very excited. Hopefully it will create an experience that the kids will remember for quite a while because they've been involved with it practically.”

During the workshops held at the school the children were taught spinning poi, spinning plates, Diablo, juggling, and even tightrope-walking.

Reece, 9, said that he liked watching the juggling best. “I liked the way that they must have practised a lot,” he said.

“When they put the big top up that was pretty exciting,” said Nubel, 9. “Everybody thought it was going to fall down!”

Circus Ferrel, which is run by wife and husband team Lynette and Mark Taylor, is based in Winfarthing and has been running for two years. They visit schools in Suffolk and Norfolk from May to October.

Mrs Taylor, whose stage name is “Grandma,” said: “They were a very good school. Some places we go to we can't quieten them down and you feel sorry for the teachers when they go back to class, but the teachers have really good control.”

The visit from the circus was part of the school's commitment to “active learning,” which is a more interactive approach to education. Recently the school's studies were based around the theme “farm to feast,” where they looked at where their food comes from, and it culminated in a farmer's market in the school hall.

Over the next few weeks the pupils will be reviewing their circus experiences.

You can see Circus Ferrel at Bungay Primary School in Wingfield Road tonight at 6.30pm, tomorrow at 2pm and 5pm, and on Sunday at 2pm. All seats are �5, available from 07525053225. For more information on Circus Ferrel, visit www.circusferrel.com.

For more information on Bungay Primary School visit their new website at www.bungayprimary.suffolk.sch.uk.