PATRIOTIC pupils have been celebrating all things British through the art of dance.

School children at Claypool Primary have been paying homage to the UK with a series of projects.

This week pupils from reception to year six took part in a dance festival to some of their favourite British songs.

Dressed in red, white and blue, with a few fancy fancy dress Spice Girls and disco divas thrown into the mix, the children performed their class dances three times and came together for a whole school dance.

Deputy headteacher Stacey Postle said: “The pupils and teachers have put a lot of effort in to their dances.

“We have a high emphasis on sport at the moment and I think dance is sometimes a forgotten sport.

“Doing things like this just brings learning to life and gives it a purpose and meaning.

“It fully immerses them into it and you get the best response from them.

“They have all really enjoyed it.

“There has even been some friendly rivalry between the teachers.”

Each class danced to a different song including The Spice Girls' Stop and Elton John’s I’m still standing.

Aleks Clayden, aged nine, said: “I have loved all the liveliness of it and all the jumping around.”

Year four pupils Isabella Randle-Sykes and Grace Nicols, both aged eight, said they had enjoyed all the dance moves and practising.

Lily Price, aged eight, said: “I have loved all the shimmying.

“There is a lot of energy and all the staff have worked very hard and we have all really enjoyed it.”

The children had been practising for an hour a week for four weeks to perfect their moves.

Mrs Postle added: “All the parents who watched in the morning said it was brilliant.

“It’s been really good fun.”

The British theme is part of a school project, which is something different each year.

Classes have also been learning about Britain from Great British landmarks and food to British authors and the Royal Family.