Schools Put Physical Activity at the heart of Learning in the UK
October 29, 2021
A group of 10 schools across the UK have been working with children's charity, Youth Sport Trust to introduce and evaluate ‘Active Recovery Curriculums’ (ARCs) which are getting children outdoors to learn, using more active approaches to lessons other than Physical Education (PE) and increasing a focus on teaching about health and lifestyle.
ARCs prioritise physical activity and time outdoors at school to super-charge recovery following the national lockdowns during the pandemic.
Research from The Centre for Sport, Physical Education and Activity Research at Canterbury Christchurch University, on behalf of Youth Sport Trust, revealed promising results of the curriculum's positive effects on pupil’s physical fitness, academic progress and mental stamina. It also reflected the most effective ways to implement ARCs and demonstrates the value of physical activity in achieving positive outcomes for children following COVID-19 disruptions.
Overall children are feeling 'fitter' and 'stronger' as a result and 75% of teachers have seen improved academic progress. Of the 470 students surveyed, 74% said being active at schools helps them learn and 68% felt they were more resilient.
"When children returned to school in March, their stamina for schoolwork had significantly reduced. Their physical fitness had also declined. After introducing an Active Recovery Curriculum, we saw increased engagement, stamina, progress and a more resilient attitude towards their learning,” said Sian Hall, headteacher at St Breock Primary School in Cornwall.
Since May, the Youth Sport Trust has been working with Sport England in association with National Governing Bodies of sport, charities and associated organisations to promote the idea to thousands of schools. The 10 schools which introduced ARCs, and were part of the study, plan to maintain them into future academic years.
“Teachers have been working tirelessly to support young people’s recovery following the huge disruption of the past 18 months. We hope these findings inspire more schools to embrace the contribution that sport and activity can make in helping young people to reconnect, rebuild their confidence and learn,” said Alison Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust.
"This research shows the positive impact an Active Curriculum can have in helping young people to recover from the consequences of the pandemic, but in more settled times too. We believe sport, activity and PE should be core to the education and development of all young people, not just in a moment of crisis but for the long-term.”
Last month, Youth Sport Trust launched The Class of 2035 report which uses detailed insights from young people and experts across education, health and sport to set out how a generation’s engagement with PE and school could evolve between now and 2035. One of its core recommendations is to refocus the school curriculum to place a greater focus on young people’s wellbeing.
Schools, local authorities and families can access free ideas and resources for getting children active before, during and after the school day through a Sport England National Lottery funded ‘Active Recovery Hub’ on the School Games website: www.yourschoolgames.com/active-recovery.