An after school club that encourages pupils to become more physically active has proved a success at Ysgol Bro Dewi in St Davids.
 
They introduced a ‘circus skills club’ for students during their Xtra@BroDewi session, who were less inclined to participate in traditional sports.
 
The club has proved such a hit the members are busy practising during their break times to put on a show for the rest of the school!
 

Great use of extra-curricular time

 
The idea behind the circus club came from, Mrs Sharon Osborne (Deputy Head) who along with fellow staff member Mrs Helen Carter, arranged for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Primary School Officer Amanda John to come in and run a few taster sessions.
 
The sessions are part of the three hours and 45 minutes of extra-curricular time afforded to each pupil from year 1 to year 6 each week. Pupils have a choice of five clubs per night and this is one of the newest and more unique choices.
 

Support from ‘Friends’ in providing diversity

 
The pupils took to it straight away; Mrs Carter enrolled on to a circus training course and a circus skills equipment bag was bought by the Friends of Bro Dewi, for which the pupils are very grateful.
 
“The circus skills club has been fabulous and the pupils love it,” said Mrs Osborne.
 
“We continually strive to arrange a diversity of after school provision choices and it’s clear to see the confidence this club is instilling into pupils.
 

Real benefits as a result

 
“Recent research on Circus Skills has highlighted many benefits and the children have become more eager to participate in PE and physical education after attending the first ten weeks of this club.
 
“It’s particularly appealing to those who are not necessarily ‘sporty’ and are put off by competitive activities but are keen to try out different things.
 
“The children are improving their skills all the time; the rest of the school are eagerly awaiting their first performance which I am sure will inspire even more participants in the spring term.”
 

PHOTO:
Roll up, roll up for the Circus Club! The new club has been a popular addition to Ysgol Bro Dewi’s wide-ranging after-school club programme - Xtra@BroDewi.