PUPILS and teachers at Southfield Junior School in Highworth have opted for a refreshing change in the school timetable.

The school day has been extended by five minutes so that weary pupils tired out by lessons can have an afternoon break of five minutes to help them refresh their minds.

All 250 pupils at the school get to use up any excess energy by running around the playground.

Headteacher Paul White feels it helps the pupils to keep more alert.

He said: "We used to have after-noon breaks when I started teach-ing, but they got rid of them for some reason.

"It was a combination of ideas from both teachers and pupils.

"We discussed it at staff council and decided to give them a break in the afternoon."

He feels the break from their heavy workload is showing divi-dends.

"They have got quite an intense morning with literacy and numeracy," he said.

"It actually splits the afternoon into two sessions.

"It is a lot better and the children just appreciate the opportunity to get out and run around."

Abigail Stewart, nine, was one of the pupils on the student council who discussed the idea.

She said: "We were asked what we thought would help make the school day better, so we came up with some suggestions.

"But it has meant that the school day has been extended by five minutes until ten past three."

Anisha Patel, eight, favours skipping as her afternoon break activity.

She said: "It gives you fresh air, and you can go outside and have a play."

James Cavaloc, nine, is also a member of the student council.

He said: "It is a good idea to get some air and fill up our water bottles. If you get a bit of fresh air it helps you concentrate more."

Pupils are also encouraged to drink water during lessons, and this is also seen as an aid to better studying and healthier pupils.

Mr White said: "We now have two water coolers provided by the PTA.

"They all have a little water bottle on their desk and they can refill it whenever they want.

"Parents are telling us the pupils are going home less tired."