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Who says practical PE lessons are not possible in lockdown? Not Epping St John’s Church of England School.

While all lessons are being carried out remotely due to the national lockdown and partial school closures, students at the school in Epping have been getting as active as ever.

The Lockdown Games was launched by the school in January to encourage all students, staff and relatives to step away from computer screens and get moving.

The contest started with a challenge to see which form group or department could travel the furthest, by walking running or cycling.

Year 10 student Sam and his family travelled a total of 140km throughout the week.

There was also a staff versus students competition, with ten fun challenges for all to compete in, including teabag throwing, burpees, the largest object being lifted, the quickest mile run, the highest coin stack on a piece of fruit and how many times their dog could play fetch without getting bored.

Trainee PE teacher Harmony Hennessy, who came up with the idea of the Games, said: “It’s lovely seeing the school coming together, with staff and students getting involved, as well as their families. Many have been sharing results and evidence of families doing activities or challenges together, so it’s been good to see we are giving them something to do away from school/work life and away from a screen.

“Hopefully, having that break from the screen and taking part in activities together is positively impacting mental health, giving people that something extra to do, which is also a bit of fun.”

Other challenges included PE Meets Art, where tasks included nature walk art and designing a logo for PE, and families challenged to complete 100 of anything in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore and donate to his Foundation.

The Games will continue until school fully reopens.