A world of fun and fitness at AKS

They form part of the ‘10 Workout World Challenge’, one of the many online activities offered by the PE department at AKS to keep pupils motivated, while also helping the whole community to stay active and healthy.

The Lytham school has launched a Virtual Extra-Curricular Programme offering a wide range of activities throughout the week.

This starts with a Monday lunchtime pilates session delivered by experienced instructor and children’s fitness specialist Wendy Doyle from Novello Yoga & Fitness.

Students are able to enjoy the sessions at home with other family members, as are the AKS staff. PE teacher Amy Roberts said: “Pilates with Wendy was just the best way I have spent a lockdown lunch!”

After school, strength and conditioning sessions are being led by Sports Science Degree students from the University of Central Lancashire.

The 12 weekly sessions cater for a wide range of abilities in readiness for a return to sporting activity as soon as possible.

The hockey master class is proving a hit with the hockey-mad girls, who are put through their paces by former AKS pupil and current Great Britain Elite Development Squad member Mollie Mason.

Mollie leads the girls in some of the exercises she is doing at home as part of her GB training and the AKS students have given plenty of positive feedback on the inspirational sessions.

A Tuesday lunchtime club encourages pupils to walk, run or cycle to stay fit, while after-school workshops cover a variety of topics as part of AKS’ Enhanced Sports Performance Programme.

Wednesday brings a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session delivered by Pro-Fit level 3 personal trainer Ally Glover.

These high-energy sessions are designed to get the heart-rate up and the muscles working hard.

However, everyone works at their own pace and exercises can be adapted to suit all pupils and their parents. And many of those taking part have been inspired to take more exercise.

Thursday sees a second session of pilates, delivered by guest fitness instructor Jessica Fell, and after school there are master classes in rugby, football and cricket led by the PE department and guest coaches.

These practical and theoretical sessions allow students to explore specific key skills in greater depth to challenge and improve all the players.

The week finishes with nutritional cooking sessions led by Amy Roberts, who provides ideas for a healthy diet in lockdown.

On the menu in the first session was a spiced salmon and tomato traybake, with healthy chocolate pudding pots for dessert.

The sessions aim to provide superb meals as well as an understanding of healthy cooking.

A book club, natural history club and ‘cover song challenge’ also feature among the range of virtual activities offered by AKS to boost the physical and mental wellbeing of the community until students can return to school.

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