John Curtin College students relax with yoga

EXAMS and study can be brutal on high school students, but John Curtin College of the Arts has found a way to help them de-stress and unwind.

The school’s offering of early morning yoga classes for staff and students has become a big hit since kicking off last year as a way to help Year 12 students relieve stress during exam periods.

Dance teacher Katherine McLeod said the classes had become so popular it was now a part of the school’s enrichment program to help students balance the demands of study.

She said the program helped the students’ wellbeing as well as contributing to their overall academic performance.

“With the demanding Gifted and Talented Arts Programs we run at the college and the high expectations set, I felt both students and teachers needed to have the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga and mindfulness,” she said.

Year 8 Gifted and Talented ballet student Enora Richard said yoga had helped her a lot.

“We do yoga twice a week and it helps clear our minds so we can focus on our studies,” she said.

“It’s great fun and helps with your mind and body.

“As a dancer it’s great for increasing my flexibility.”