In the midst of a growing physical activity crisis in the UK, Chris Sharman, Founder of Kidztivity and a leading children’s activity expert, is calling for a complete overhaul of how physical education (PE) is taught in schools.
With worrying statistics showing less than half of UK children meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise, the need for change is urgent.
“Traditional PE lessons often miss the mark in engaging all students,” Chris explains. “They tend to focus heavily on competitive sports, which doesn’t appeal to every child.”
Chris highlights that this narrow focus can alienate students who aren’t naturally inclined towards competitive sports. In today’s diverse world, PE needs to be inclusive and adaptable to cater to different interests and abilities.
“By sticking to old models, we miss opportunities to inspire all children to move and enjoy being active,” Chris emphasises.
He identifies several shortcomings in current PE curriculums, such as the lack of emphasis on personal fitness, creativity, nutrition and non-competitive activities.
“Children today have diverse interests that aren’t being addressed, resulting in a lack of motivation to participate. Fostering a lifelong love for movement should be at the heart of PE lessons.”
To address these issues, Chris suggests a fresh approach: incorporating a wider variety of activities that emphasise fun and personal growth. This includes dance, yoga, and adventure sports, alongside non-traditional sports like bouldering, ultimate frisbee and spikeball.
“PE should be about more than just games; it should equip children with the tools they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives,” Chris asserts.
One of the pitfalls of traditional PE is its focus on competition and ability grouping, which can discourage participation. “Many children feel alienated if they aren’t naturally athletic or if they’re constantly compared to peers. This pressure can lead to reluctance to engage in physical activity outside of school.”
Modern challenges, such as increased screen time and sedentary lifestyles, should influence a new PE curriculum. Chris suggests integrating technology positively, using fitness apps or virtual challenges to encourage active breaks and promote physical activities that can be done at home.
“If we make PE enjoyable and varied, children will look forward to it,” Chris concludes. “They should view PE as an opportunity to express themselves and explore new forms of movement in a supportive environment.”
