SCHOOLCHILDREN and staff danced up a storm to get themselves energised for learning.
Teachers and pupils at West Park Academy, Darlington, took to the playground for a high intensity Wake and Shake dance session under the direction of teaching assistant Caroline Black.
The 10-minute programme kicked off to the upbeat sounds of Christina Aguilera’s Candy Man getting the blood coursing before the start of lessons for Year 1-6 pupils.
The academy has been recognised nationally for its efforts to encourage children to be active and last year was awarded the prestigious gold kite mark for its primary school games.
Mrs Black is now studying a PE specialism course and is aided by teaching assistant Claire Heron, who acts as DJ for the Wake and Shake initiative.
She said: “Staff and children absolutely love it and really get into the swing. We are convinced that it helps levels of concentration throughout the day. Physical activity is so important for health and wellbeing and also stimulates the brain and so boosts learning.”