Students learn to relax with weekly meditation classes

10:06am Friday 5th May 2006

PUPILS are being given the chance to put down their pens and take up meditation classes to clear the mind.

Children at the Pendragon School, Pendragon Road, Downham, are being offered the free classes as part of the school's drive to promote health and wellbeing.

During the 40-minute-long sessions staged one afternoon a week at the school for children with special learning needs, pupils are led through the calming classes by health guru Tim Gratwick.

He uses word patterns, symbolism and metaphors to help the children to relax and feel a "sense of calmness".

Headteacher Pancho Martinez says some pupils are already showing signs of increased concentration in class since the sessions were introduced in March.

He said: "Each week has seen even the most restless and active students relax into and enjoy the meditational experience."