The whole of the UK came to life in Gants Hill on Friday when pupils shared the fruits of a term’s worth of learning with an Olympics assembly.

All the classes at Gearies Infant School, Waremead Road, Gants Hill, have been finding out about the geography, history, culture and sporting traditions of particular UK regions.

Children aged three to seven then presented the results, which included a six foot model of Big Ben, dances and sing-a-longs.

Headteacher Bob Drew said: “As we’re supporting Team GB, it’s an opportunity to take a cross-curricular approach to the preparations for the Olympics.

“It’s been really essential for the children to learn about their culture and their place in the world and especially about the UK. “

The ”London” class performed nursery rhymes London Bridge Is Falling Down and Oranges and Lemons and showed off their models including Big Ben and the London Eye.

Another class focused on the West Country and learnt how the region will host sailing during the 2012 London Games.

Pupil Adeeba Anin, seven, said she was now looking forward to seeing the sailing events this summer.

She said: “Before learning about the area, I didn’t understand where it was.”

The school can also boast its own Olympic link.

Teaching assistant Kathy Gillham is the proud daughter of Dorothy Manley, the winner of a silver medal in the women’s 100 metres during the last London Games in 1948.