Sports expert at University of Gloucestershire calls for overhaul of PE lessons following rise in childhood obesity
Dr Kiara Lewis says it's discouraging children from wanting to take part
An expert in sports science at University of Gloucestershire is calling for a radical overhaul over the delivery of PE lessons in UK primary and secondary schools following new data indicating a significant rise in childhood obesity.
Limited sporting opportunities, a lack of staff training, poor changing facilities and COVID-19 have all contributed to some of the poorest levels of health on record for children and young people.
Dr Kiara Lewis, Head of the University’s School of Sport and Exercise, said:“For some school children, PE is the best lesson of the week.
“It’s a chance for them to leave their desks, get outside, and enjoy a run around with friends. For others, it can be the most miserable experience, leaving them feeling degraded, embarrassed, and even in physical pain.
“Studies have shown that for girls in particular, PE lessons are often a source of distress which leads to them skipping lessons or missing out on school altogether.
The pandemic has impacted exercise at school
Dr Lewis adds: "The recently-published National Child Measurement Programme, England – 2020-21 from NHS Digital confirms the highest annual recorded rise in obesity rates for both reception-aged and year 6 schoolchildren during 2019/20 and 2020/21.
“In addition, a new government-commissioned research report examining how schools responded to the impact of Covid in the last academic year found that 56 per cent of primary, and 37 per cent of secondary schools said they had reduced hours for certain subjects, particularly PE."
What barriers are children facing?
“As part of my own ongoing research, I have also spoken to secondary pupils", continues Dr lewis.
"They reveal that the idea of competitive sport can be a real worry. Children who are good at sport want those less able ‘out of the way’, while those who are less skilled resent being made to compete.
“They also feel less ‘liked’ by their PE teachers and more sporty classmates, while other concerns for boys and girls are ill-fitting or inappropriate clothing, and a lack of privacy when changing.”
What needs to change?
However, this doesn’t mean it is game-over for PE, added Dr Lewis. “Just because a child doesn’t look forward to PE lessons doesn’t mean they never will,” she said. “Some simple adjustments can make exercise much more enjoyable for the majority.
“For example, de-emphasising competitive sport in PE lessons can swiftly increase the fun element for less able children, and prioritising participation over excellence dramatically increases children’s confidence.
“If teachers shout or criticise poor performance, it can damage the confidence of even the most skilled players. Instead, PE lessons should be about making sure all children enjoy them and take part."
Other positive changes can involve giving pupils a say in what sports activities they want to do and the opportunity to design their own PE kit and reorganise the changing rooms.