Cyber Coach inspires school children to get fit and active

7 April 2009

A Knowsley primary school has introduced the latestHuyton PE lessons technology into their PE lessons, after securing lottery bid funding.

St Columba’s Catholic Primary School in Huyton is the first in the borough to pioneer their own Cyber Coach system, in which pupils are taught various dance and fitness routines via a large screen projection.

Professional coaches are pre-recorded whilst demonstrating their routine, which can then be projected onto a large screen for pupils to follow step-by-step.

The system, which was originally designed for use in leisure centres, offers a whole host of fitness sessions, including cheerleading, bollywood dancing and step-aerobics. The manufacturers of Cyber Coach are hoping to develop the system to offer curriculum lessons to schools.

Rónán Dunne, Headteacher at the school said “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to launch this exciting new scheme. Both staff and pupils really enjoy using Cyber Coach which is also a great way of encouraging the children to get more active. We would like to thank the lottery for supporting us with our bid and making this possible.”

Mr Dunne is also hoping to start a parent and child after-school club which will give parents the opportunity to join in Cyber Coach with their children.

Councillor Graham Wright, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services commented “The system is a fantastic use of the latest technology and is a great way of bringing fun and something different into the school’s curriculum. It is great to see one of our schools investing in this unique system and I am sure other schools will be inspired and also follow suit.”

Photo: Children in St Columba’s Catholic Primary School get fit and active using Cyber Coach

See more photos on Knowsley’s Flickr account

For more information, please contact:

Emma Duvall
Graduate Communications Officer
Knowsley Council
0151 443 3675