On a beautiful spring day, 22nd April, every one of Alton Convent School's 500 pupils set out on a walk to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the school's foundation and to raise money for schools in India with which the school is linked.

The youngest pupils, some not yet 3, strolled around the school's 17 acre site or neighbouring Anstey Park, whilst the 7-9 year olds set out on a three mile walk through Holybourne and the surrounding area. The rest of the school, from 9 to 18, and their teachers, tackled an ambitious route up on to Holybourne Down, taking in bluebell woods, farmland and the occasional very muddy track en route.

There was a wonderful atmosphere to the walk, with time out from lessons providing a chance for teachers and pupils to talk to one another about the important things in life far removed from numeracy classes and GCSE courses. Students were delighted to find the school's welfare officer and catering staff at the half way point with bottled water and biscuits, and the support of the school’s PTFA and Hampshire constabulary ensured that the walk went very smoothly. On return to school, students continued to enjoy the early spring sunshine with a picnic lunch and impromptu rounders matches and races.

Parents and friends have been generous in their support of the school's work with schools in the worldwide family of Our Lady of Providence. Many of the school's sixth formers will be spending three weeks of the summer in India, working alongside staff and pupils at schools serving some of the poorest parts of the sub-continent.

The walk was the first of a number of events to mark the school's 70th anniversary, with a concert soon to follow on 7th May and the opening of the school's purpose-built creative and performing arts centre later in the year.

(Lots more photos...)