A school is using boxing lessons to improve pupils’ self-esteem, confidence and behaviour.
Norden High School, which is holding the sessions, invited Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics star Charlotte Hartley to tell pupils about how she overcame problems with bullying and alopecia.
Charlotte, who played hockey for her country, also sparred against pupils. The visit was organised through the Living for Sports initiative, which aims to use sports stars to improve pupils’ behaviour and attainment.
Damian Juriansz, director of sport at the Rishton school, said the boxing sessions have resulted in ‘a big improvement’ in pupils’ behaviour. He added: “We have had a reduction in the number of times they’ve been sent out of lessons. It is the third time in five years we have done the initiative and we are looking to get some of the kids into local clubs.
“We hope there will be a long-term improvement.”
He added: “Charlotte got bullied in school and that related to her getting alopecia. Doing hockey got her confidence back.
“She managed to get into the England hockey set-up which is very difficult to break into unless you’re in one of the private schools. To come from a comprehensive and get in is a massive thing and it showed the kids if they wanted to do something they can succeed.”
