Skateboarding added to curriculum

A Merseyside council is introducing skateboarding to all of its schools in a bid to fight rising obesity levels and boost interest in PE.

Vigorboards - a type of skateboard that teaches children balance and gives them a cardiovascular workout - will be available to all pupils in St Helens.

Initially introduced as a pilot at Sutton High, it is now on the school curriculum after proving popular with pupils and reducing truancy.

PE teacher Paul Lane said: "We have pupils who have been persistent non-attenders who are now regularly in school as they don't want to miss the Vigorboards sessions.

"It has been great to find an activity which appeals to all children and that requires a great deal of skill and fitness."

The Vigorboard has two plates connected by a bar, allowing the board to twist in the centre.

Some 80 per cent of pupils aged nine to 11 have increased their physical activity by 40 minutes each week after Vigorboards were introduced in after-school clubs at St Aiden's CE primary.

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