Secondary sports education
Involvement in physical education and sports programs can be of enormous benefit secondary students – physically, emotionally, mentally and socially. As well as improving physical fitness, it is widely acknowledged that sports education can boost confidence and self-esteem, build leadership and social skills and put in place healthy habits that last into adulthood.
In most Australian primary schools, sports education is a compulsory part of the curriculum; as students head into their later secondary school years, however, sports education is no longer mandatory. Added to this the fact that physical activity levels drop dramatically over the adolescent period – a decline that continues throughout adulthood – and promoting sports education in secondary schools becomes more important than ever.
Teens perform most of their physical activity at school or in organised community programs; most adolescents still need the structure of a dedicated sports program to maintain regular physical activity as they transition to adulthood. It is important that secondary schools continue to emphasise the importance of sports education in relation to lifelong health.
There are a number of reasons why teen participation in sports education might decline; tackle the barriers head-on with your students and try to come up with solutions together. Factors such as increased homework, boredom or lack of motivation, peer pressure and body image issues can all play a role in pushing adolescents towards a more sedentary lifestyle.
When putting together a sports education program for secondary students, aim to make it fun, unique and varied so you can catch their attention – get them away from school grounds if you can. Create a safe and supportive learning environment in which maximum participation is encouraged and ridicule is prohibited, and bring the focus back to fitness and strength rather than physical appearance.
For teens worried about taking time out from concentrating on their other schoolwork, you might point out that sports education can actually be beneficial to their academic studies. Physical activity can increase energy, sharpen the mind, alleviate stress and help improve time management and organisational skills.
At a time when pressure from parents and peers is high, sports education can be a great way for teenage students to blow off some stream and spend time with friends. If you can bring the fun back into sports education, you might find the students come back with it.
Medibank Icehouse runs professionally-developed ice sports programs for schools. As well as one-off recreational sessions, we offer multi-session, sport-specific programs in ice hockey, curling, speed skating and figure skating – ideal for secondary school sports education programs.
