Principal 

A couple of weeks ago I read an interesting piece in The Atlantic about the importance of movement for learning. The piece charted the decline in physical activity undertaken by young people and explored some of the consequences of this. Among the many concerning stats was that according to the World Health Organization “81 percent of adolescents worldwide do not get enough physical activity” and that this rate tends to “rise as their country develops economically”. As we collectively get better off, we sit more; which makes sense. Yet the risks associated with sedentariness are real and broad. Young people who fail to develop or maintain healthy muscles, joints and bones are at greater risk of obesity and chronic disease. Active kids also develop better cognitive abilities than others who aren’t as active, and this is reflected in their results at school and beyond. Self-reported wellbeing is higher, and rates of depression are lower in young people who are regularly active.

We’re fortunate here at College as we have not generally succumbed to the fearful need to keep children safe by keeping them from activity and therefore from risk. We are also purposeful about the programs we offer and their benefit. 

As I write this piece, the sun is shining and I have just walked past a Year 7 class doing theory work outside. Some students were sitting on the grass, others on benches and seats, and a couple even swinging from a tree branch. Concurrently, we have students competing in the School Netball Championships at Pedrina Park, as well as Year 8 students enjoying the High Country at Mittagundi. This is just what’s happening right now, as I write. 

These activities have a purpose – they keep young people active and connecting with each other, which are good results in and of themselves, but which also lead to better chances of academic attainment and general wellbeing. This article, and the sunny day we’re enjoying, are general reminders that sitting still and quietly in class are not indicators of learning, in fact they might detract from it.