Physical education needs a creative approach
Anne Longfield
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
As we are constantly reminded, childhood obesity is at record levels.
The Health Survey for England indicates that one in three young girls are overweight. This situation gives us pause for thought about obesity's impact on young people's self-esteem and body consciousness.
Research undertaken by the Department for Children, Schools and Families reinforces the link between sport and health, with sporting participation rates among 10- and 11-year-olds languishing at 20 per cent below the 85 per cent target. The opportunity to take part in attractive sporting activities in local communities is important for building physical confidence and undertaking exercise and fitness training.
A Fitness Industry Association initiative seeks to bridge the gap between schools and external sports facilities. It focuses on "buddying" primary schools with local leisure facilities to introduce young people to activities that they might not otherwise experience. The Adopt a School programme provides activities ranging from martial arts-based classes and street dance to body balance and meditative activities - with an emphasis on activity that is inclusive, different and fun.
The government-funded programme has run for four years and operates across hundreds of schools throughout the UK. It is designed to help realise the government's target of four hours of sport a week, inside or outside school, while using alternative kinds of fitness activity to engage those who shy away from competitive sports. To underline the link between nutrition and sport, programmes are complemented by healthy eating sessions and children can continue their relationships with centres after the official six-week programme duration.
Local programmes also have an important role. George Campbell Leisure Centre, as part of an initiative by Fenland District Council, has recently completed a programme with eight primary schools to introduce over 1,000 children to new types of non-mainstream physical activities, such as BodyCombat and dance classes. The programme has helped fill a gap in terms of positive physical activities and has done much to bring together local schools and leisure services.
Making sport and exercise diverse and appealing is the best way to enthuse children who might not otherwise be engaged by traditional curriculum sports like football or netball. Through reaching out and forming links with other leisure services, as well as rethinking fitness opportunities for young people, local services can increase the depth and scale of young people's involvement and support good health and physical self-esteem.