Pre Prep Start PilatesModern Languages DayBattle of the BandsPink PartyAfrican DrummingBurneston Concert SuccessBring and Buy SuccessU13 County Tennis ChampionOutstanding GCSE resultsAthletics winYr 5 & 6 Canoe TripChapel Choir WinThe King and IShort Story Win for MeganU12 Netball WinWorld Book DayAnother Early Years AwardSamba DayTop School in North YorkshireFirst Wedding in School ChapelJungle BookShoe Box AppealYoung Musician of the Year SuccessNational Award for Early YearsBEST EVER GCSE RESULTS AGAINKey Stage ResultsCanoeing to YorkTennis ChampionsJunior Choir sing EvensongSummer Concert, 4th JulyOliver!Early Years RecognitionChapel Choir CD 2005Fashion Show
Pre Prep Start Pilates
Youngsters at Queen Mary's are learning the benefits of Pilates during special classes after lessons. Children in Years 1 and 2 at the school are taking part in Pilates sessions tailored to their age and ability organised by instructor Nicole Brule-Walker.
Regular exercise is important for all children and we recognise this at Queen Mary's" said Headmaster Robert McKenzie Johnston "But not all girls excel in team sports and it is important for them to experience and enjoy a range of different sporting activities from a young age in a supportive environment."
Mrs Brule-Walker, who has been running classes at the school for parents and senior pupils for some time, decided to concentrate on the younger girls after many showed an interest.
“The emphasis of Pilates is on breathing and posture and using the body in the correct way, making it work more efficiently,” Mrs Brule-Walker explained.
“A small group of five, six and seven-year-olds attend the weekly classes after school, they are seeing the benefits already,” says Mrs Brule-Walker.
“It’s great fun, the children are really enjoying it. Pilates is wonderful for co-ordination and posture – stretching the areas that need stretching and strengthening the areas that need strengthening. It also helps build confidence, giving children the opportunity to participate on a level that they feel happy with.
“For the younger children I change the music and the way I teach the exercise and make the whole class more child-friendly,” she added. “I reduce the time of the session from an hour to about 30 minutes and use music with lyrics they recognise. One of the favourites is “Jungle Book”, and they perform certain movements to the different songs.”
“These days there are a lot of children who don’t particularly get involved in sport. Pilates is a different type of activity which allows everybody to become involved, at whatever level they may be at,” she said.
The Pilates sessions complement the already extensive and daily sporting activities on offer at the school. Year round Queen Mary’s pupils take part in tennis and swimming lessons as well as regular gym sessions. Year 1 and 2 pupils also participate in gymnastics, football and cross country running. There are also opportunities for horse riding and canoeing all within the school grounds.
