Each Monday lunch time, pupils at Rookesbury Park School in Wickham, have been discarding their shoes and socks, in preparation for their weekly Yoga lessons. Headmistress, Pippa Harris-Burland, is passionate about the well-being of each child, and she has introduced Yoga as a means of focussing on the mind and body as one.

Yoga teacher, Karen Pinckney, who is based in Southsea, loves working with children. She creates an atmosphere of calm, of tranquillity and security, where each child feels safe and centred.

She uses the Ashtanga method, taking the children on a journey of discovery, through the stories she uses and also an exploration of themselves. From children in the Pre-Prep to pupils in Year 8, they love the opportunity to relax and learn the true art of breath-work and balance.

Pippa Harris-Burland says, ‘During a busy day at school, Yoga provides us all with the opportunity to focus on ourselves through relaxation techniques , putting the whole work - life balance into perspective. If we start with ourselves, by working on what happens inside our bodies as well as on the outside, then our bodies and minds will work in unison.  The ability to concentrate and focus on our studies becomes that much easier and is a positive and enjoyable experience.

One girl in Year 5 said, ‘I love Yoga, it gives me a chance to unwind and to concentrate on something other than school work. It makes me feel free and I feel so calm afterwards.’

For more information on this strengths-based prep school, please call Diana Todd on 01329 833 108