More than 200 students have begun the next stage of their education after joining Wycombe High School's sixth form this September.
The new Year 12 cohort started life at the High Wycombe school with an unusual challenge designed to test their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
As part of their introduction to sixth form, students took part in The Obelisk Task, an academic puzzle requiring teams to piece together clues to work out on which day of the week an ancient obelisk was completed.
The activity followed a welcome and induction from headteacher Nicola Renyard and was aimed at helping students get to know one another while encouraging the skills they will use throughout their studies.
This year's intake includes more than 50 students who have joined Wycombe High from other schools, alongside pupils progressing from the school's own Year 11.
Mrs Renyard said: "It is always exciting to see a new Sixth Form cohort come together, particularly when we are welcoming so many students who are completely new to Wycombe High alongside those who have grown up within our school community.
"Those 55 students have made an important choice about where they want to spend the next two years of their education, and we are delighted that they have chosen Wycombe High.
“They bring new experiences, perspectives and friendships into the Sixth Form and enrich our whole community."
The school's sixth form was previously described by Ofsted as a "beacon of excellence", with students combining A-level study with a broad programme of enrichment, leadership opportunities and extracurricular activities.
Mrs Renyard said The Obelisk Task was chosen not only as a fun first-day activity but also because it reflected the school's approach to learning.
"We want our students to be intellectually curious, to question, discuss, collaborate and sometimes wrestle with problems where the answer isn't immediately obvious," she said.
"The Obelisk Task gets them doing exactly that from the outset. Most importantly on their first day, though, it gets people talking to one another, laughing together and beginning to form the friendships that will be such an important part of their Sixth Form experience."
The new Year 12 students are now beginning their A-level courses as they embark on the next two years of their education, preparing for university, apprenticeships, employment and life beyond school.
They are due to complete their studies before heading to university in the summer/autumn of 2028.
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