A SCHOOL has been using boxing lessons held during a lunch break to help its pupils learn discipline and get fit, and the man who planned the sessions says the pupils involved have seen a noticeable change in the classroom too.

The sessions run at Belle Vue Boys School in Heaton on Wednesdays, and involve teacher Alex Venables and PC Tony Hooton, the school's on site support officer, training any students who want to try their hand at the sport which is rarely taught in schools.

Many of the pupils who attend the classes are of a Roma background, and Mr Venables said those that regularly attend have picked up many life skills, as well as sporting skills.

He hopes that the sessions can be expanded once the new school year starts in September so pupils of different abilities can get involved.

Unlike sports like football, cricket and rugby, boxing is a sport that is rarely taught in schools. Many see it as a violent pastime, but Mr Venables, who has had a long standing interest in the sport and teaches kung fu, said the discipline and restraint pupils learn can be an important skill to learn at school. It also helps instil a sense of self respect, as well as respect for other pupils and staff.

Mr Venables said: "A lot of the boys who take part in this don't get to do a lot of extra curricular activities. It is quite easy for us to do. To learn the basics you really just need gloves and pads.

"The boys that get involved really wanted to try something new, and they really get excited about these classes.

"There is some genuine talent coming out of these classes. We have about six real regulars, but some Wednesday we'll get around 12 children show up.

"There is a real focus on fitness in these classes, and the kids are really embracing that.

"I think that schools can sometimes be a bit too football central when it comes to the sports they offer, pupil's options can be quite limited and it is up to the young people to get involved in sports like boxing.

"Some of the children are really good, and it would be great if they joined a club outside of school so they could train more regularly."

He said that the lessons have led to improvements in the classroom, as well as getting the children fitter.

"A lot of the boys have been more focused in their lessons, especially the ones who have really stuck at it. There is definitely an element of discipline in learning boxing. I'm not going to say it has changed lives, but doing it has helped a lot of the boys. The majority of the boys that come are Roma, and they like the challenge that boxing provides.

"I would like to expand it, have it a few times a week."

He said remedial classes could be set up so new pupils are not sparring against more experienced ones, and hopes the lessons lead to some of the boys continuing their training in local boxing clubs.

Although many people think boxing is an aggressive sport, Mr Venables said this reputation is misplaced. He added: "Being very aggressive is not something that sits well with boxing. It is about having a clear mind and respecting yourself and your opponent."