School principal Darren Denmead said the program involved children in playground activities and was part of a school overhaul of its welfare, anti-bullying and other programs aimed at engaging children in the classroom.

Mr Denmead said the new program gave the children something they could have fun with at school, and was specifically targeting playtime so data could be kept on playground incidents.

Six weeks into the program, Mr Denmead said it was certainly making a difference.

“We’ve already had boot camp and garden club, both of which were popular among the students,” he said. “The garden club the kids loved, it had a really strong following.

“We’ve also had ‘just dance’ classes which were run by the kids, with others following along. We actually had a Year 3 student teaching Year 6 kids, which was great.”

Mr Denmead said the program was so popular there was a waiting list.

“It’s been so good we will be expanding the program next term and will be incorporating a performance at the end of the term,” he said. “At the moment the program’s open to children in Years 3, 4 5 and 6, but next term we’re hoping to open it up to the younger ones too.”

Mr Denmead said he was absolutely delighted with the results.

“We’ve founds kids are doing better in the classroom. They have more energy and less negative behaviour,” he said. “The teachers love it because the children are completely engaged. Since the program began we’ve had a 36 per cent fall in negative behaviour.”

Mr Denmead said research shows involving students in programs like these had many benefits, specifically with their social skills.

Head circus coach with the PCYC Matt Davis, who is running the program, said the children love it.

“They have been learning a range of circus skills – juggling, acrobatics and aerial. It’s super fun,” he said. “I can see the difference in the students already. They are visibly confident, and are learning a new level of team work, they are definitely coming out of their shells.”