A COLLEGE'S method of letting students who don't enjoy PE spend their lessons getting exercise by playing computer games, has been met with a mixed reaction.

Pupils in Year 7 to 9 at Northfleet Technology College, who may usually tell their teacher they have forgotten their PE kit, are now eager to come to class.

This is thanks to lessons involving a Nintendo Wii, the interactive video game console which students play on to perform balance exercises, yoga and cardio-vascular routines as well as other sports such as virtual tennis.

Groups of up to 16 students take their PE classes in a room where they share four consoles, which can cost around £150 each.

PE teacher Aaron Brown, 27, said: “It’s designed to get them active and to try and get them back outside doing regular PE.

“With some students it has been successful, they begin to enjoy PE more and come to class more.

“But we’re not looking for it to take over our PE.”

The secretary of the Gravesham Teachers’ Association, Brian Chadwick, applauded the college.

He said: “I think it’s true many boys and girls are disaffected by the traditional field sports.

“They tend not to come with their kit and don’t participate in the lesson.

“If this new initiative Northfleet is trying out works then I can only applaud it.

“It’s important youngsters through whatever motivation get the exercise they need, bearing in mind so many are sedentary, looking at screens for one reason or another.”

However the chairman of Campaign for Real Education, Nick Seaton, criticised the idea.

He said: “I think most people would agree that youngsters need fresh air and exercise not computer games.

“A Wii maybe something they can do occasionally but should not replace physical exercise.

“We all have to do things we don’t enjoy doing and that’s something which needs to be learnt at school.”