OXFORD Community School has its fingers crossed for this summer's GCSE results after an Easter holiday of swotting.

Pupils from the school in East Oxford volunteered a week of their holiday to attend daily revision sessions in a run up to this year's exams.

But it is not all work and no play for the youngsters. The 130 Year 11 students were rewarded with a day out at Drayton Manor Park for their hard work.

Aspiring dancer and actor Aweys Hirabe, 16, from Little Hey Road, Oxford, volunteered his time to concentrate on Drama, Religious Education, and PE. He said: "I don't really feel like I have missed out on anything over the holiday because a lot of my friends are here as well.

"Plus, it doesn't really feel like being at school - there is a really relaxed atmosphere and we don't have to wear uniform.

"I feel much more confident about my exams now. I think more schools should offer this as a lot of people don't really know how to revise at home on their own."

Robert Hunt, from Donnington, agreed. He said: "I am using the lessons to concentrate on Art, English and Maths.

"We were all looking forward to Drayton Manor, but it's not the reason we decided to join. I think we would all rather come into school to revise."

It is hoped that the 90-minute sessions, which were held three times a day during the past week, will help the students meet Government targets, something that the school has struggled with in the past.

Emma Bates, the project manager who arranged for the school to be able to offer the extra lessons, said attainment rates were a problem and added: "We do have to push to improve. However, we organised this to get the children through their exams - not for our league tables.

"Although I am sure that Drayton Manor was a bit of a lure - a surprising amount of the children were very eager to come here over the Easter Holidays.

"They have found the revision easier being in a structured environment."

The school held an awards ceremony to reward students who had made an exceptional effort in their studies or who showed exceptional academic progress.