THIRTY six Flixton Girls School students developed their leadership skills during a residential Outward Bound leadership skills course in the highlands of Scotland.

The aim of the course at Loch Eil is to help students to cope with taking on new challenges and overcoming them.

Their week of adventure began with a jog and dip in the loch.

The next day the entire group canoed across the loch to a beach where the students made hot chocolate.

The year 10 students also participated in rock climbing up the 'big toe' of Ben Nevis, made extra difficult due to the overnight rain making the rocks wet and slippery.

The group also enjoyed a long walk where they took in spectacular mountain views and learnt about the local history followed by a “cook out” and night walk.

Students also had the opportunity to participate in the zip wire challenge. In groups of 12 and kitted out with harnesses and helmets, the teams worked hard together to overcome their fears.

During the week each student was given a leadership role to help them develop skills such as assisting others and showing how attitudes affect others.

FGS Outward Bound leader Mrs Bates said: "They should all be very proud of themselves and what they have all achieved.

"FGS are fully committed to bringing students together and giving them the opportunity to challenge themselves, display their skills, develop their leadership and perform their role effectively.

"We want to increase students’ awareness of their team working skills, make more use of their initiative and to be able to act as role models for other students in the school and to demonstrate these skills for future employers.”