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3.1 St James's Primary, Renfrew

Exercise Club
St James's Primary School

Originally the Exercise Club within St. James's Primary was formed in response to the needs of a particular boy. The boy had been diagnosed as having dyspraxic type difficulties in particular affecting his ability to walk up and down stairs and to produce written tasks. After discussion with all professionals involved a group of six boys experiencing similar difficulties was chosen. The boys participated in an exercise programme, taken from Madeleine Portwood's work on Dyspraxia.

Initially the group was led by our Network Support Teacher but as time progressed, it seemed appropriate to cascade knowledge regarding the exercise programme to further develop expertise. After a period, two S.E.N. Auxiliaries and another network teacher felt equipped to lead the group.

Now, a year later, the group of pupils supported has been extended to thirteen. Before the Exercise Club started staff recorded observations in relation to the children's confidence, approach to tasks, co-ordination, and performance at P.E. At a recent review we were able to identify areas of improvement among the children.

• Some of the children are participating orally to a greater extent within the group and in class.
• Handwriting skills have improved for two children in particular.
• The boy mentioned at the beginning of this piece can manipulate all stairs within the school. His handwriting and work effort have improved considerably.
• A girl within the group can now skip thus leading to increased confidence in herself.
• The group's interaction skills have improved thus allowing everyone to participate in the programme without fear of ridicule etc.

This development within the school has involved adults and children working co-operatively in order to enhance the children's skills. Such a development lies easily within the whole school approach of recognising everyone's achievements.