School Travel Organiser looks at different ways to get pupils interested in Physical Education, from specialist museums to sporting tours.
After the recent BBC report that claims many children are pretending to forget their P.E kits in order to skip out on the lesson due to insecurities, it is important to acknowledge ways in which this subject can be taken outside of the school grounds.
Physical Education should be inclusive and about encouraging healthy lifestyles as much as being about having fun playing sports. Therefore, making sure children feel comfortable is of paramount importance.
The World Rugby Museum at Twickenham Stadium has recently undergone a transformation and now offers even more for schools on a P.E themed trip. From learning about the positions and roles in rugby, to playing on interactive technology, the museum allows pupils to learn about the sport and feel involved without the stresses of peer judgement.
The What Kind of Rugby Player Are You? workshop suitable for Key Stage 2 pupils allows them to learn about the body and the mechanics of the sport, whilst the Rugby in Motion: GPS Technology and Fitness Training sessions for Key Stage 3 and 4 teaches students about strength, endurance and agility. Plus, there are plenty of workshops that tie in with subjects besides P.E for a cross-curricular visit.
A residential is another idea for a unique spin on the traditional P.E curriculum. Not only does a residential get children active but it teaches important life skills such as resilience and confidence.
Kingswood has nine centres stretching from the Isle of Wight to Northumberland and across the country from North Wales to Norwich. With a series of programmes designed for the Secondary curriculum, students visiting will develop their self- confidence and teamwork, meaning when the return to school they will feel more comfortable taking part in sport and P.E.
Other residential centres ideal for schools include The Outward Bound Centres, YHA, and PGL among many others.
Pictured: An Activ4 trip.
For schools wanting to take a trip further afield, Activ4 School Tours organises sport specific overseas tours including football, netball and rugby trips. The organisation also offers Sportsfest tours to Spain and Italy which are multi-sports tours with action packed itineraries.
The Spanish tour includes a visit to Barcelona and the Nou Camp Stadium. The trip’s professional coaching sessions and matches can include football, netball, hockey and rugby, followed by a fun programme of evening entertainment. Getting immersed in the sport by visiting different countries allows students to develop their knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the sport, as well as challenge themselves.
Often children are not exposed to different kinds of sports, such as water sports, and it is important that they get the opportunity to experience a variety of activities. H2Outdoor is an adventure provider with growing emphasis on encouraging children to get active. The centre in Woolacombe, Devon has worked with teachers to develop a range of packages to provide unforgettable experiences to educational groups.
Kayaking, surfing and coasteering can be combined with thrilling land-based activities including high ropes. The centre also has links with other local providers, so activities such as mountain biking can be added to a stay.
So, whether it’s a residential to build confidence or a trip to introduce classes to new sports, there are plenty of ways to motivate and encourage active lifestyles. If it’s the insecurity factor which you find is affecting your school, a trip is a great way to get pupils out of their normal environment and discovering new ways to feel comfortable, confidence and inspired about Physical Education.
If you want to find new ways to aid children’s mental health, including self-confidence and body image, read our recent article on trips to support children’s mental health.
