As we almost come to the end of Children’s Mental Health Week, it’s worth remembering that being physically active can have a hugely beneficial impact on our mental health.

So, what does a ‘virtual’ PE lesson at Redmaids’ High Junior School look like? Especially when you have a full year group of girls logging on from different locations, often with limited space and no sports equipment? Well, you might be surprised! 

My fellow PE teacher Mrs Rogers and I have had to think very creatively, sometimes using everyday items that can be found in the home to add colour and fun. A popular session last week involved four toilet rolls placed on the floor and had the girls moving between them in a variety of ways; this caused lots of initial laughter before the activity began. The session was led by me, via Zoom, live into the girls’ homes, whilst my colleague, Mrs Rogers, mirrored the same workout in the school hall for the girls on site in ‘keyworker school’. Having two PE specialists running the session means that at any one time, one of us is giving instructions, while the other is carefully monitoring the girls’ engagement. 

We are delighted that we have created lessons which are surprisingly strenuous and everyone – including us – seems to really enjoy them. 

If these live sessions are not enough for our active girls, we have also created a 'Keeping Active' area on our educational resources hub, which all our girls and parents have access to. There you will find practical ideas to do at home, pre-recorded workouts to enjoy, as well as weekly challenges from the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS). 

Keeping physically active during lockdowns is so important for fitness as well as for our mental health. So we aim to make it easy to follow, and as much fun as we possibly can.

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