JET set students at a Droitwich school will say 'Auf Wiedersehen, Pet' today as they head off to Germany.

Twenty-two pupils and two members of staff from Droitwich Spa High School will enjoy a week at their partner school in twin town Bad Ems.

During their stay they will visit the German towns of Koblenez, Cologne and Trier. They will also be attending lessons at the school and sampling life with a German family.

The Briar Mill school has developed a strong relationship with its German counterpart over the last three years.

Deputy headteacher, Jane Christopher, said: "In a week where there have been news items detailing the decline of such visits as these offered by schools it is good to see the fact that students studying German at Droitwich are being given this opportunity."

Another group of teenagers at the school has been also been taking advantage of a unique opportunity.

Two years ago a dozen talented Year 11 English Literature students began to study for their AS and A Level in the subject, outside the normal timetable.

Mrs Christopher explained this meant a fair amount of reading and research alongside studying for their GCSE exams.

In August the students collected their grades, nine achieved an A, two got a B and one attained a C.

"The school have recently received a letter from the exam board commenting on the high quality of their work and the fact that the group had been challenged and stretched considerably," added Mrs Christopher.

They are now studying for and Advanced Extension Award, which is aimed to challenge even the brightest pupils. "It's early days but so far so good," she said.