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FEATURE FOCUS: TACKLING STUDENT OBESITY


and engaging opportunities for learning using the joy of gymnastics. Active Classroom Cards are designed to link the curriculum to gymnastics- based physical activity from the comfort of the classroom, with no equipment or large space required. For instance, asking pupils to combine maths and gymnastics exercises, answering equations with the correct number of star jumps or floor touches. Research by the Youth Sport Trust showed that


taking a more active approach to teaching and learning in lessons other than PE increased academic progress by 74%, and children’s mental health by 86%. This is a clear indication that physical activity doesn’t just benefit pupils in a one-dimensional way – active learning practices can have a hugely positive impact and energises student to learn in a more creative way. There are many reasons why schoolchildren


might not be enthusiastic about physical activity. Our responsibility is to make activity as inclusive and engaging as possible, and therefore a central part of the British Gymnastics Partner School Programme is our inclusive recreational gymnastics programme, Rise Gymnastics. We can provide the support teachers need to deliver classes that everyone can take part in, everyone can enjoy, and everyone feels connected to. As part of the programme, a school would also


foundations in fundamental motor skills, as well as providing pupils with high quality instruction, practise and feedback.” This review, and the conclusion that an


effective PE curriculum should provide the basis for healthy living and reduce barriers to participation outside of school, has never been more important. I believe strongly that amidst concerns around child inactivity, schoolchildren are innately active and thrive off learning through physical activity. Simply put, if you can ensure that pupils enjoy


sport and physical activity, it will have a hugely positive effect on their willingness to engage with healthy living more broadly. When it comes to gymnastics, the mental wellbeing benefits of the sport are also clear– those who take part will find improved self-esteem, resilience, and are more likely to feel confident in communicating and making friends. Pupil confidence is one of the biggest barriers


to a healthy and active lifestyle. There is no absence of Physical Education opportunities in schools across the UK – but whether that activity is inclusive and motivates every pupil to actively participate is another question. The benefits for school children run throughout


every developmental stage. Preschool and early years gymnastics develops children to explore fundamental movement patterns such as balance, locomotion, rotation and spring which are important for a child’s development and the basis of all gymnastics disciplines. Grounding young people in a sport that supports their physical development means they will be far more likely to stay active throughout their youth and into later life.


One example within the Partner School


Programme is the inclusion of Active Classroom cards. Whatever space you have available, the programme is focused on providing accessible


April 2022 www.education-today.co.uk 29


receive access to Rise Hub, the programme’s digital platform. This allows teachers to plan lessons easily, whilst monitoring each pupil’s development. One of the main benefits of Rise Hub is the inclusion of skill videos for teachers – helping them to familiarise themselves with movements within gymnastics with accessible and easy to understand demonstration clips. British Gymnastics is committed to supporting


and upskilling teachers. Teachers know their pupils better than anyone, so we are focused on supporting education professionals in delivering whatever kind of sessions that will best benefit their class. To deliver in your school, you do not need a


specific gymnastics qualification – we want to ensure that fun and educational sessions are accessible to as many as possible. But we also want to upskill teachers, to be able to deliver the highest quality sessions and develop their own understanding of how to capture the imagination of pupils, and educate with clarity on the


importance of an active lifestyle. The Partner School Programme is designed to


evolve and ensure relevance to the changing requirements of the National Curriculum. We recognise how difficult it can be to keep up with an ever-changing set of requirements for educators to adhere to, but British Gymnastics supports schools in not only ensuring the National Curriculum guidelines are covered, but cultivating a flexible and multi-faceted programme which achieves the core mission of all teachers – to passionately support the physical and academic development of young people. The programme is built to inspire and


empower educators. Along with all assets and carefully curated session plans, teachers are also given a support guide – showing how to progress pupils of different abilities, and how to create your own session plans. Our Partner School Programme is collaborative in the truest sense – it is imperative that teachers feel supported through these resources, and feel confident in putting their own stamp on lessons to best suit the needs of their classroom. Inspiring pupils through the power of our sport


has never been more timely. 2022 is an especially big year for gymnastics in the UK, with two major competitions on British soil - the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the summer and Artistic Gymnastics World Championships taking place in Liverpool in October. We hope this showcase of the world’s best will further inspire young people. It is apparent that more needs to be done to


embed active and healthy living as part of the education experience. Teachers need support to deliver the messages and information that will help pupils make healthier choices and be more active. British Gymnastics Partner School Programme hopes to continue to support the wellbeing and development of young people through the joy of gymnastics – combating child inactivity with our most inclusive and adaptable programme yet.


uIf you are interested in engaging with the British Gymnastics Partner School Programme, or want to know how introducing the sport in your school can make a positive difference, visit www.british-gymnastics.org/schools for more information.


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