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3 minute read
GET PHYSICAL
GOOD SPORTS
Physical Education is a key element of any school’s day, but not all pupils will embrace it. One expert suggests how to ensure all can reap the benefits
By SUE LAIDLAW
Well, hello 2023! How many of you, reading this, have a new year resolution or a pledge to yourself that involves a fresh exercise regime or health kick? We are all well aware of the physical and mental health benefits of exercise, as well as the enjoyment and fulfilment that it can bring – and that goes for children as well as us ageing adults. It’s importance is clear, but about those are not naturally drawn to sport?
Physical Education is firmly on the National
Curriculum and part of school life, at all stages of education. At Senior School level, many schools have fantastic facilities that encourage and develop all students, from national – even international – level competitors, to those who are not naturally drawn to physical activity.
For some students, sport is the highlight of their school days, but for others it can be any area of insecurity. Sustaining interest in the teenage years, particularly for the latter group, can be challenging. A more traditional approach to PE can leave many with a lack of confidence and interest. Fortunately, schools are always seeking and widening opportunities: zumba classes, yoga, Pilates, spinning classes and golf lessons can all sit alongside the more traditional team games.
For those of you who have hallways filled with footballs, boots, hockey or lacrosse sticks and tennis racquets, or who spend weekends transporting your offspring to rowing regattas, matches and training camps, you will, no doubt, be living and breathing the benefits that sport brings.
Whatever the age of your children, the benefits of sport go well beyond the physical activities themselves. Team games offer an opportunity to learn skills that will transfer into other areas of life and into adult working life beyond. Working with others, a sense of fair play, a grace in losing, the joy of success – all key areas of understanding in life – can be learned so well on the sports field. The personal responsibility and discipline that comes with looking after kit or following an exercise plan provide the basis of excellent transferable skills.
Schools have a duty of care to develop the confidence of all children, in every part of school life, and they do their best to foster this, of course. However, be aware that your daughter or son may feel demoralised by not feeling as fast or as skilled as his peers, not being chosen for a team or even failing to have the ball passed to him or her, at primary school, could lead to negative associations with exercise. Similarly, there are still a few schools who inadvertently continue to use physical exercise as a punishment. I am sure we have all heard the threat, “The last one out of the changing room runs an extra lap round the field!”
Encouraging exercise at home is a good counterbalance – young children are almost always happy to play in the park or splash in puddles, but try to continue with family walks as they get older. Take the dog for a walk or get together with other families for a Frisbee tournament and a picnic. It can be as simple as that. And, of course, start young – fun with ball activities, skipping ropes, frisbees, swimming pool visits, skittles, and even roly poly down hills all develop co-ordination, strength and resilience, and confidence in young children that will lead to greater confidence in the school setting.
Integrating sport and fitness into life from a young age is clearly the aim. There are so many ways to do this, thanks to schools, community programs and families, using your own ideas and preferences. Here’s to new year resolutions that are sustainable and a love of exercise, whatever that may be for your children and your family, in 2023.
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Sue Laidlaw is the founder of Laidlaw
Education LLP and Laidlaw Virtual
Academy. Sue and her team would be delighted to assist you with the educational needs of your child. For more information, call 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk