26 Primary schools

Primary schools should consider modern ideas for a healthbased
promotion of physical activity in the curriculum and in
supplementary provisions. Use should be made of exercise and
activity areas and teachers should be given comprehensive exercise
training. Every primary school should pursue the goal of
an "active and healthy school". In many European countries
physical activities in the afternoon play an important part in
school life. Municipalities should consider the need of a high
quality concept of physical activity and should try to involve
sports clubs.

„It can be said, that time spent in partcicipating in physical activity
will not hurt cognitive performance or academic achievement. (...)
Physical activity may actually be related to improved cognitive performance
and academic achievement and provides evidence for
the argument that physical activity should be part of the school
day for both its physical health and cognitive benefits.“
Sibley & Etnier 2003

Although the extent of the significance of physical activity on cognitive
performance is not yet widely known, there is a concensus
that it is necessary to take daily and regular exercise to achieve an
extensive and positive drive. Physical education lessons once or
twice a week are necessary but not enough.

As to how exercise can play a more important part in the daily
school routine municipalities can campaign for the following
recommendations:

1. Active Transportation
The aim is to encourage children and young people to choose
physically active modes of travel (walking, cycling) throughout
their school career.

2. Play as part of the school day
Outdoor and indoor play should provide opportunities for
movement and challenge, and opportunities to play safely with
natural elements. Children’s play in school area can be
optimised through a number of practical measures.

3. Qualified staff
Care should be taken that the schools have teaching staff with
special competencies in physical exercise. Apart from ensuring
physical education in the curriculum these teachers can also
give the school an active profile.

4. Sports and health days
Days of action dedicated to exercise and health help start off a
more intensive physical activity in everyday school life.

Best Practice Switzerland (CH)

The national programme “schule.bewegt” (school moves)
supports teachers who try to implement physical activity in
their schools on a simple and sustainable basis. School
classes are motivated to integrate sports into their day-today
school life. The objective is to make the pupils exercise
additional 20 minutes per day. Teachers can choose from
different modules. These include exercises which strengthen
the bones, stimulate the heart and circuit, maintain movability
and improve physical skills.

More information:
www.schulebewegt.ch