American football, cheerleading displays, dance and sounds of the 1970s have created a 'real buzz' around one Lowestoft high school.

Energy was exuding out of the classrooms at Pakefield High recently as the school, in London Road, was a hive of activity as it hosted another successful Learning Experience At Pakefield (LEAP) Day – which had a real 1970s feel.

Since Pakefield opened its doors for the first time in September 2011, the school has reserved one day every half-term to provide its students with a day full of alternative learning experiences, with a range of themed activities and events laid on.

And this time it was the turn of the PE and arts department to take centre stage during the latest LEAP day.

Pupils were encouraged to dress in 1970s outfits for the day while taking part in a number of fun art and music activities designed to further their learning, while sports and dance were also showcased as year-11 GCSE PE students led sessions as part of their coursework,

The day was then rounded off in stunning fashion with a Top of the Pops-style concert in the afternoon.

Terri Freeman, head of faculty for arts and PE, said: 'I am delighted with the outcome. There was a real buzz around the school. Everyone was having a great time and I am thrilled with how it all turned out.'

With this being the arts and PE department's fourth LEAP day, the 1970s-inspired event proved to be a 'real delight' for Mrs Freeman and her colleagues.

Pop art, cubism and the Banksy movement were the focus of workshops in the art rooms, with inspirational quotes and graffiti being daubed on some of the old school buildings that will be demolished in the future.

Some pupils embarked on rock climbing sessions at WaterLane, while others were coached rugby by Lowestoft and Yarmouth rugby club and dance performances were rehearsed and perfected in the school.

Mrs Freeman added: 'We also had the UEA in during the day doing American football sessions and this linked in with the cheerleading workshops. One of our dance co-ordinators took the gifted and talented dance students to see the Matthew Bourne dance show, which was very successful.'

With all the workshops, rehearsals and sessions going on throughout the day, Mrs Freeman said that at 2.30pm 'everything stopped' and all the pupils came together for the show.

She said: 'There was mixing on the DJ decks, four different pieces of dance, some cheerleading and on the big screen was a film that had been produced of the day.

'With the Top of the Pops theme, the 1970s was the real pinnacle time for the show, so the afternoon concert was a real showcase.

'I was so, so proud. If you think these children are now standing up and performing in front of 300 to 400 peers, when some of them have never danced or played to an audience before, they are all aged between 11 and 14 and put on a 45-minute show – it was a real delight.'

Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk