High Five for Health!

Our Upper Sixth CTEC Sports group have come up with an innovative idea for the last week of half term to improve physical fitness and to support mental health in aid of a good cause. Their High Five initiative starts today and aims to get the whole community off their chairs, outside and running to realise the power of the post run feel good factor! “We decided to organise this event after finishing our CTEC PE exams and going into another national lockdown” explained organisers, Ben, Ellie and Tabby.”We wanted to encourage people to carrying on exercising for the mental and physical benefits. We felt it was a good time to organise the event because it will bring the school community together whilst in another lockdown. Also running is a simple activity everyone can do from home and people will feel more positive afterwards.”

With a different theme each day to prevent boredom and encourage motivation, the group are also offering participants a dedicated Spotify playlist and the chance to join the LP Strava Athletes club to keep track of their achievements. Students, staff and parents are all eligible to take part and even better, it’s for a good cause with donations and sponsorship going to young people’s mental health charity, Young Minds via our Just giving page.

“We feel it is important to support a mental health charity as many may be feeling down at the moment and it is a known fact that exercise helps you feel better mentally and physically.” Commented Ben, Tabby and Ellie, “So, by supporting a mental health charity we will hopefully raise awareness to anyone who is feeling good at the moment.” Deputy Head: Pastoral, Nicky Hardy, couldn’t agree more, “I am delighted with your ideas for promoting athleticism and mental health amongst our community, thank you. You have excellent practical and theoretical knowledge of planning, implementing and evaluating sports development events which will help with this particular programme.” Julia Garden, Community Engagement Officer for Young Minds was delighted to hear of the group’s plan, offering resources to support the project and encouraging them with her positive words, “It is really great to hear that your school wants to help and support others through fund and awareness raising through 2020/21! We value every opportunity to raise awareness about the vital importance of children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health and we could not do this without the help and support of many generous individuals….All the best with your fundraising and thanks so much for your support.”

As people dig out their trainers today for the week ahead there is much excitement about the change of routine. The live workouts which the PE Dept have been provided are suspended enabling everyone to join in and get active! ‘Motivation Monday’ focusses on getting started; often the hardest part so this day is about putting on your running shoes and simply getting outside and getting active. ‘Turn it up Tuesday’ ups the ante with interval training to show everyone there are different ways to get running. ‘Wicked Wednesday’ is one of the tougher days and includes hill sprints before a welcome recovery day for ‘Throwback Thursday’ with a slow run, walk or some mobility stretches. ‘Feel Good Friday’ is the finale of the week; a celebration for everyone featuring a long run day with the emphasis on participation and choice of distance.