A recent article in The Independent caught our attention, so we asked our Sports & PE team if they agree – could PE be the way to improve your child’s academic success?
There is a wealth of evidence to show that physical education has many benefits for children’s cognitive health, but last year, there were 45,000 fewer hours of PE compared to 2010.
That is especially concerning when recent research highlights the many benefits physical education has in all aspects of children’s learning. One study, for instance, found that a games-based PE lesson was more beneficial for cognitive performance in students than a traditional classroom lesson. In that study, researchers compared the effects of a football session to a standard class covering subjects like maths and geography. They discovered that students’ working memory – their ability to hold and process information – actually improved more after the PE lesson. Studies from Australia confirmed this identifying a greater impact of this during curricular day time PE than evening and weekend sport. This shows that the benefits of an active lifestyle go far beyond physical health, directly influencing how our students learn and think in all their other subjects.
PE at St Columba’s School
At St Columba’s SI – SIV pupils get 3 x 55 minute periods of PE per week along with access to a number of sporting extra curricular clubs at lunch and after school. Our approach to PE goes beyond simply getting students moving. We intentionally design our program to align with the latest research on physical and cognitive benefits. The Independent’s article points out that the intensity of activity and the environment in which it takes place can significantly impact results. With this in mind, our PE curriculum emphasises moderate-to-vigorous activity, incorporating high-energy and competitive games to challenge students.
We also make full use of our school’s outdoor facilities, including our playing fields and outdoor areas. The research suggests that outdoor sessions can enhance the cognitive effects of exercise, and we’ve seen this firsthand. By combining purposeful, active lessons with our expansive outdoor spaces, we create an optimal learning environment that helps students perform their best both on the field and in the classroom.
The extensive study from Australia mentioned above also found school attendance, exam performance and university enrolment were all very positively impacted by School sport participation. Additionally, our PE program is also designed to challenge pupils’ personal qualities and cognitive skills to help them develop resilience, leadership, problem solving and critical thinking through sport. These are lifeskills that are amongst the top 10 business skills that employers are looking for in 2025.
Certificate PE at St Columba’s
We go beyond core PE and offer pupils the opportunity to study certificated PE at National 5 and Higher level. The certificated classes are extremely popular; Our current National 5 PE classes are full. These being the first classes to present at this level. The Higher PE uptake is also strong with exceptional results and after 5 years of presenting, 100% pupils have achieved an A or B grade.
These courses give pupils the opportunity to develop and enhance their movement and performance skills in a range of activities. They develop knowledge and understanding and apply this to the analysis and evaluation of performance in physical activities. Candidates develop their thinking skills through planning, problem solving and analysing performance. As well as these, the course helps pupils develop broad generic skills based on the SQA’s Skills Framework: Skills for Learning, Skills for Life and Skills for Work. Certificated PE provides a foundation for those considering further study or a career in a range of disciplines including physical education, sport, health and fitness.
A Lifelong Love of Exercise
Our commitment to physical education is about more than test results or short-term gains. We believe that by imparting a love for movement and physical activity from a young age, we are equipping our students with the habits for a healthy life. Our wide range of extra-curricular clubs, competitive sports teams, and house competitions all contribute to a school culture where being active is not a chore, but a source of fun and teamwork. We take great pride in the high number of pupils who continue in sport and physical activity when they finish their School career.
We are proud to be nurturing a generation that understands and values the connection between a healthy body and mind – a foundation for success that will last far beyond their years with us.
