ANCIENT history, geography and physical education were on the curriculum for a group of intrepid explorers.

Eight sixth-formers from Pershore High School spent their summer holiday in Peru tackling a series of challenges.

They have returned with tales to tell of community work and exploration.

"It was absolutely fantastic. We hacked through virgin forest and we saw a pre-Inca sarcophagus, which had just been found by our guide's friend," said 17-year-old Ali Forrester.

"The rainforest was amazing. We went to a lodge that was an hour away from San Juan De Yanayacu, the village where we were staying. They took us out and caught a cayman, which we all held.

"We swam with pink dolphins in the Amazon, saw monkeys and bats and went piranha fishing.

"Highlights for me were seeing a sarcophagus in the middle of a cliff face with two human skulls on top looking out over the valley.

"Seeing the cloud forest was also brilliant. In the day it was hot but in the night it was freezing. We were surrounded by mountains and it was stunning."

The group, with teacher Paul Watson, travelled to South America with World Challenge Expeditions.

The challenges included building a kindergarten for village children.

"To see a whole new kindergarten built with the money raised on non-uniform day was amazing," said Ali.

"The villagers were really pleased to have us there and they threw us a party.

"They even managed to find a generator so we could have music, and Sofie, one of the girls, danced with one of the chiefs."

The month-long expedition had more than its fair share of challenges, the first coming soon after the group arrived.

They had to change their itinerary after rioting in Tarapoto meant they would not be able to follow a planned route.

The Pershore pupils also took part in two treks.

"There were stages when everyone was worn out and physically stretched, but that was what the challenge was all about," said Ali.