A PRIMARY school teacher in Winsford has come up with a new way of teaching her pupils discipline and respect – by tutoring them in the art of taekwondo.

Children at Oak View Academy in Winsford have been enjoying an after school club with a difference after their teacher brought her extra-curricular expertise in taekwondo into the classroom.

Year 4 teacher Melissa Handley runs the classes, which have proved a huge hit with the children, using her experience as a first dan black belt in the Korean martial art.

Ms Handley said: “I’ve been very impressed with the skill already shown by the children. Taekwondo is not only great exercise but can also teach them so much about discipline and restraint.

“I think we might have some stars of the future among the Oak View children.”

The unusual activity is part of a new host of extra-curricular classes brought in since the school became an academy in April 2014.

The school runs a longer school day of 8.30-3.45pm to allow the children an hour a day of curriculum enrichment, which are intended to keep children engaged.

Activities include brass band Spanish club, junior choir, football, dance, cookery, board games, craft club, multi-skills and computer club.

Oak View headteacher, Fiona Rimmer, said: "We are dedicated to providing excellent extra-curricular activities, we see sport as a crucial part of the development of the whole child and giving children the opportunity to use those skills in a competitive setting is also very important.

“The wide range of clubs and activities at Oak View Academy range from joining the brass band to trying your hand at cooking and thanks to extra funding from The Timpson Foundation, this is a provision we will continue to develop and extend.”