Why Exercise is so Important in Schools
In previous generations our school day involved a lot more physical activity than now. We walked or rode bikes to school. We spent plenty of time running around the playground or sports fields before school and during breaks and lunch.
Nowadays we’re more likely to transport our children to school in the car. They are more likely to sit around on social media, watching Netflix or gaming during their breaks than they are to run around playing. All of this is leading to a more sedentary lifestyle that can have serious consequences on their physical and mental health, as well as their ability to focus in the classroom.
Exercise releases feel-good brain chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. These natural chemicals boost our mood, reduce stress, increase energy levels and increase motivation. It is no coincidence that depression and anxiety amongst teenagers is at an all time high as physical activity is falling.
Physical activity has also been proven to increase mental focus, brain activity, cognitive function and acuity. So exercise also improves academic engagement in the classroom, which subsequently improves academic performance.
At the BSI Study Centre we have systemised the inclusion of exercise throughout the day. Our school day starts with what we call an ‘Energising Session’, which involves 20 minutes of varied physical activity devised and led by our Sports Scientist, followed by some calm mental reflection.
The physical activities include structured exercises, free-play and fun group challenges. Further benefits of this daily routine are improved health, fitness, muscular development and physical literacy, such as balance, coordination and agility. As all of our students are sports-focused, these base-line physical attributes assist with their sports-specific movement and ultimately help to raise their performance levels to new heights.
We finish the sessions with a few minutes of deep breathing, reflection and gratitude. This helps to balance or centre them into a state of calm alertness, ready to take on the challenges of the day. We schedule more reflection times during the morning timetable, and every student athlete spends the afternoons training in their individual sport.