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Funky music, groovy beats and rhythmic moves are setting the morning tone for junior school students in a new-style health initiative to ensure youngsters are fit and ready to learn.
Pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 at the British School of Bahrain in Hamala are being encouraged to take part in a 15-minute early morning playground exercise programme called 'Wake Up, Shake Up!' led by teachers, a sports coach and senior students.
The sessions are all part of a 'healthy school programme' and combine a series of fun moves to pop music.
Junior school head teacher Lisa Atkins said that the routines are designed around core movement skills to encourage good physical development. She said: "En-masse exercise groups at the beginning of each day are now a big thing in the UK and it is something we felt very strongly would also work here.
"There are always sporty children who belong to different clubs but we also have those who are not so sporty ... they need some attention too.
"Obesity is an issue in the region and needs to be tackled. We wanted to engage all children.
"It is modern, funky and fun. The early morning routines have been extremely well attended and we hope to continue them throughout the year.
"As all our children are on one site it is great to see the senior children join in with the juniors and share the experience of exercising together.
"It is just one example of our aim to enthuse, inspire and celebrate every aspect of school life."
Wake Up, Shake Up! is not a compulsory activity. The project is on its third week and the students are currently swaying to two routines involving Cha Cha Cha music and a warm-up based around bouncing a non-existent ball which is led by the school's basketball coach, Zayed Al Obaidi.
The school is also concentrating on the dietary aspects of well being. A healthy diet group addresses the quality of food served in the cafeteria and communicating with children and parents about the benefits of a nutritious eating regime.
Mrs Atkins said: "We are looking for an improved inpact on the pupils' co-ordination and fine motor skills. The rhythm and timing to music helps in dance lessons. Overall the activity helps improve concentration, stamina and behaviour.
"We want to promote healthy living which is very important to a happy life. That is our number one initiative.
"On the sidelines we also hope to improve their learning skills. We want our students bright and wide-eyed and ready to learn every morning."
The school's management hopes that the activity will develop with children devising their own dance routines and choosing their own music.
