Fitness classes beamed into South Tyneside school kids

Youngsters at Mortimer Community College in South Shields were among those tuning in to the nationally coordinated and broadcast event.

They were joined by learners from Mortimer Primary School, whose participation proved that you can never be too young to be health and fitness conscious.

The schools’ participation was part of a fitness programme delivered to schools across the country by Wicks, who is nicknamed ‘The Body Coach’.

He was so impressed by the pupils’ efforts that he tweeted Mortimer Community College’s name on his official Twitter account.

Pupils who took part were Year 8 girls at Mortimer Community College, based in Reading Road, and Year 4 learners from Mortimer primary, in Mortimer Road, both South Shields.

The event was linked to the schools coming together beforehand for a joint two-day fitness programme.

It involved students and staff members completing a HITT, or high-intensity interval training workout.

Those who took part were Year 4 pupils at the primary school and years 8 and 10 at Mortimer Community College.

Holly Cooper, PE teacher at Mortimer Community College, said “I wanted to use a different way to inspire our students to get involved with physical activity and thought using this would be a great way.

“Our year 10 students worked extremely hard as role models for the primary school students and have left feeling motivated with lots of happy, red faces.”

Catherine Hunter, the school’s transition manger, added: “We are working hard with our feeder primary schools, giving younger students opportunities to take part in activities within a secondary school setting.

“This was the perfect chance to do that. It was lovely to see the Year 4 students working alongside our Year 8 and 10 students to enjoy this workout.”