PUPILS at Silverhill Prep School in Winterbourne are being put through their paces with a new fitness challenge.

Children in school years three to six are working hard in a new sports club called Gymrun, which aims to improve the health and well-being of primary aged pupils.

During weekly fitness sessions, the pupils run, jump and learn bodyweight circuits in order to gain special badges for their PE kit.  

They are motivated by a new scheme called the “Fitness Rainbow”, which awards pupils one of eight colour badges depending on their level of fitness.

“The enthusiasm for the fitness badges has been overwhelming,” said Mike Weeks, a former sports teacher who has been working with the Silverhill pupils.

“The rainbow concept really motivates the children to work at their fitness in order to reach the next colour on the ladder.”

The Fitness Rainbow measures speed, strength and core stability, and was created by Mike in order to motivate children during Gymrun sessions.

Mike said: “The idea is to identify a child’s fitness level and to motivate them to work their way up to the next award.”

He added that increasing fitness will boost children’s self-esteem and confidence.

“Greater fitness and physical literacy will enable children to more effectively engage in and enjoy all sports.

“In the wider school setting, improved fitness is proven to increase alertness and concentration in the classroom, leading to much better academic performance.

“Good health and fitness also has a positive impact on children’s self-esteem, and this is perhaps the most important thing.”

Pupils in Year 3 at the school have committed to lunchtime Gymrun sessions each week, and are well on their way to working their way up the Fitness Rainbow.

This fitness focus builds on the school’s commitment since last September to the Daily Mile, a national initiative that aims to improve the physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing of children.

Silverhill Headteacher Jenifer Capper said: "This has been a tremendous incentive for the children to focus on keeping themselves fit and healthy.

"They love the sense of achievement they gain as they acquire each level within the scheme and the growing sense of well-being which is experienced as they increase the level of their personal fitness.

"I have been delighted by the way in which the children have continued to challenge themselves. Mike Weeks is to be congratulated on creating such a user friendly way to educate the children in the need for personal fitness and well-being which has raised their self-esteem in the process."

In partnership with Future Stars Coaching, the Gymrun programme (which includes the Fitness Rainbow assessment method) will be available for primary schools across the South West from April.