Learning by heart

There are many benefits to sport that go far beyond the physical. The academic success of a pupil can be significantly affected by their participation in exercise. Something that is recognised by Rydal Penrhos as part of its comprehensive allaround education.

Incorporating sports education into the school curriculum has many benefits. It teaches pupils teamwork and discipline. It helps them become polite in everyday life and promotes a healthy lifestyle, which protects them from diseases like obesity and arthritis.

Participating in sports can help individuals gain confidence and leadership skills. It helps overcome all obstacles and provides each pupil with coping mechanisms for how to deal with them. Physical activity speeds up growth and improves mental and physical health. Many of these elements are essential for physical development.

Sport and physical activity is a significant part of the Rydal Penrhos curriculum. This is implemented for pupils to become more outgoing and communicative, enhancing confidence and building friendships along the way.

Athletic training and academic study are interrelated. Both are two sides of one coin. Sports in education are an integral part of the curriculum. It helps to shape a person’s personality and contributes to their holistic development. For example, every sport has its foundations in maths and physics.

Although many subjects are taught in the classroom, sport and physical education offer Rydal Penrhos pupils an opportunity to be outside and exercise, as well as learn a wide range of skills. This is especially important for GCSE and A Level candidates, who can feel overwhelmed with examination or coursework pressures to such an extent that other activities take a back seat.

There are many educational benefits to sport and not just the physical. The combination of cerebral and physical development allows for the strengthening of the body and the mind, which is proven to assist within a classroom setting.

Rydal Penrhos staff encourage this on a daily basis both in physical education lessons, outdoor education initiatives and extra-curricular activities. For those with a particular passion for sport, the school’s state-of-the-art fitness suite is available for use and competitive fixtures take place frequently over the academic year.

Each team needs a leader and pupils are given the opportunity to progress within leadership roles in sport and academics as they mature through their time at Rydal Penrhos. This helps them become confident and able to make decisive and informed decisions. These skills can be improved through sports, which require that decisions are made and communicated to the other members of the team frequently for the greater good.

When hiring new employees, businesses are looking for people who can work in a team environment. As they move up the corporate ladder, their leadership experience will be more important. Through sports, pupils learn tactical, mental and physical training. They can focus better and have a clearer vision. These traits are essential for academic success.

Sport combined with academics also promotes positive wellbeing. This has become increasingly important in modern society and education. Leading an active lifestyle develops higher self-esteem and better social interaction. It also helps pupils have a positive outlook on life.

Through sports, pupils learn about ethics, responsibility, trust and morality. A person can deal with all the twists and turns of life more gracefully if they have a spirit of sportsmanship.

They will have positive values and brighter characteristics, which makes them less likely to succumb to social ills. Rydal Penrhos will strive to maintain the high standards set in both areas in a safe, happy environment where each pupil can thrive at their own pace. n