We’re at breaking point – at least in terms of New Year’s resolutions. This is the week in January when most neglect their personal goals and step back into old habits. It’s not hugely surprising, dark mornings and evenings are still with us and the idea of cosying up in the staffroom for a snatched break is more appealing than encouraging students out into the fresh air to exercise.
But if you haven’t managed any resolutions so far, here are some easy ones to pick up and run with throughout 2016 and beyond. In turn you’ll have happier, healthier students who are more ready to learn.
1 Embrace the sporting events of 2016.
Why not use the UEFA European Championships and the Olympics and Paralympics to link up your English, maths and physical education (PE) departments? In PE, why not hold your own “Euro cup” or “Olympic” games? Analyse match statistics in maths, looking at the number of passes or shots on goal; English students could edit competition videos, and write commentaries, reports and interviews.
2 Get moving.
For younger children try the Change 4 Life 10 Minute Shake Up to go towards their activity for the day. Or ask the more active older children to facilitate recreational activities at break times, such as dodgeball with music.
3 Fun fundraising.
Staff and students could raise money for their favourite charity while getting active through charity matches or fun runs. You could encourage parents to join in too. Why not make your chosen charity the Youth Sport Trust?
4 Daily exercise challenges.
Set quick daily exercises for staff and students, such as 30 squats.
5 Get Girls Active.
Been inspired by Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign? Sign up to #GirlsActive to increase the confidence of girls in your secondary school. Schools involved so far have seen the number of girls looking forward to PE nearly double.
6 Dare to be different.
The old style PE games and activities have their place, but try out some new and different sports. Through the Sporting Promise partnership between Matalan, Souluxe and the Youth Sport Trust, we are reaching out to introduce young people to alternative sports like jump rope, parkour, dodgeball and inline skating.
7 Embrace school games.
Give your students the chance to take part in competitive school sports. The School Games are made up of four levels of activity: competition in schools, between schools, at county/area level and a national event for the most talented school-age athletes. Register here.
8 Include everyone.
Check out our ideas for including everyone in sport and volunteering. Sign up to the Sainsbury’s Active Kids Paralympic Challenge, which will inspire schools and young people to learn more about Paralympic sports, try them out, and provide exclusive high profile prizes for taking part – including a trip to the Paralympic Games in Rio.
9 Share ideas and learn.
Sign up for the Youth Sport Trust 2016 Conference in Coventry where you’ll receive expert practical advice on how to improve the wellbeing and achievement of your students through physical activity.
10 Join us.
Becoming a Youth Sport Trust Member will give you access to considerable benefits, including innovative resources, training and programmes.
