PUPILS from Wyedean School took on challenges from trying to sell the idea of a toilet to investors to sleeping rough for a night.

The two "flexible learning" days encouraged pupils to think differently to tackle problems.

Deputy head Steve Moir said: "The flexible learning days provide an opportunity for students to learn beyond the everyday curriculum and to experience cross-curricular activities."

Sixth formers worked with homelessness charity Llamau to understand the issues before spending Thursday night sleeping out to raise money for the organisation.

They were given some help in the form of tea and cakes from Tutshill WI and a soup run.

Other events included English and maths workshops, a science debate and looking at the issue of homophobic bullying.

In the Apprentice challenge, pupils had to pitch their ideas for a healthy smoothie to representatives of the Forest-based Glaxo Smith Kline as well as come up with an advertising campaign.

Among the judges was Lucy Fear of Chepstow craft shop Chepstow Creates.

In another TV-inspired activity, pupils had to persuade "Dragons" to invest in their inventions from the Industrial Revolution including the steam engine, miners' safety lamp and a flushing toilet.

Year Seven codebreakers had to use maths skills to break a secret message which has reached Bletchley Park in 1940.

They also held an evening concert and produced posters and signs in Spanish to advertise the event.

•See this week's Chepstow & Caldicot News for more photographs.