New skateboard project escalates across St Helens high schools

A small pilot scheme to test out the new Vigorboards, which incorporate balance and a cardiovascular workout, has proved so popular its been rolled out across all high schools in St.Helens.

St.Helens, one of the first councils to adopt the project, initially brought in the pilot at Sutton and Haydock high schools. It was designed to attract young people who are not enthusiastic about traditional sports

Vigorboards are a new type of skateboard that incorporate balance and a cardiovascular workout.

What was intended to be a small pilot quickly grew to incorporate every secondary school in the authority as young people simply couldn't get enough of the boards.

St Aldan's CE primary school were the first school in the authority to introduce the boards to their children, many of who have now purchased their own Vigorboard. Advanced Skills Teacher Stephen Moore believes that Vigorboards have helped transform behaviour at lunchtimes as the pupils now have a new exciting activity to channel their energy into.

The feedback from pupils at Sutton High Sports College is also positive, and the PE staff have produced a scheme of work to incorporate the boards into curriculum PE.

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. So many of the pupils involved have never been to an after school clubs before. It has been great to find a fully inclusive activity that requires a great deal of skill and fitness. Many of our pupils have now bought their own Vigorboard and I've seen them using them outside of school. We are now working to introduce a leadership award so that participants can work with our cluster of primary schools"