Physically active learning: Sharpening young minds through movement
What if pupils could achieve higher academic attainment while ticking off their daily movement and exercise targets? With physically active learning (PAL), they can.
Boosting results with physically active learning
Physically active learning challenges traditional, desk-based teaching methods by injecting movement into lessons. PAL uses the brain-boosting power of physical activity to directly involve and engage pupils in education – with remarkable results.
Targeted at primary school-aged children, PAL is proven to increase engagement, performance, behaviour, and cognition. Currently, most KS1 and KS2 children spend 50-70% of their school day seated. However, research repeatedly shows that when students sit less, they learn more.
One Nottingham Trent University study found that physically active lessons improved cognitive function tests by an average of 30% and motor development tasks by 25%. What’s more, the maths-focused research led to stronger development within that subject, with ability improving by 17%.
Partnering with a PAL expert: Listen to the podcast
Chances are, you’re already using physically active learning in your school. Any time teachers head outside for science or weave movement into music class, that’s PAL in action. While these ‘brain breaks’ are brilliant short-term energisers, studies indicate that a consistent, whole-school approach to PAL delivers the greatest benefits to learners’ physical and mental health.
As well as reducing sedentary time and passive learning, PAL provides a range of positive outcomes across the school community, including:
- Contributing to pupils’ daily 60-minute physical activity recommendation
- Facilitating understanding and engagement
- Improving concentration and time on-task in lessons
- Elevating confidence and reducing anxiety
- Building resilience
- Fostering an inclusive approach
- Encouraging collaboration and teamwork
- Making learning fun, exciting, and enjoyable
But don’t just take our word for it. We’ve teamed up with a leading academic for a deep dive into the stats, science, and success stories behind physically active learning.
- Listen now: Exploring Physically Active Learning with Dr Andy Daly-Smith
Dr Andy Daly-Smith, Reader in Physical Activity and Healthy Childhood at the University of Bradford, discusses the impact and implementation of physically active learning in schools.
The On the Move programmes have helped schools unlock the power of PAL for almost a decade. Our Maths on the Move and English on the Move programmes are designed by teachers, tailored to your pupils’ needs, and aligned with the National Curriculum.
Taught by trained educators, each session combines team games and tasks, focused learning objectives, and plenty of movement to bring core maths and English essentials to life. The results speak for themselves, with 95% of pupils showing improved pre- and post-programme test scores across both subjects.
Download our FREE KS1 and KS2 resource to kickstart PAL at your school.
