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Engage, Energise, Achieve The Benefits of Physical Activity

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Following on from Olivia’s recent blog about how technology can support active learning which you can read here, I wanted to take a deeper look into one of the key components of that idea: physical activity. Having spent over 20 years in education, I’ve seen first-hand how getting pupils moving can do more than just support their physical health - it can dramatically improve learning outcomes too.

The Power of Physical Activity in Learning

We all know that children and young people don’t naturally want to sit still for long periods, (I struggle to do it myself), and yet so many of our traditional lessons involve exactly that. Tables, chairs, and stillness - it can work for some, but for many learners, especially those with special educational needs, this ‘traditional’ approach can be a huge barrier to engagement and success. Over the years, I’ve seen that when we break away from this approach and bring physical activity into learning, everything can change - pupils become more engaged, motivation increases, and learning barriers start to break down.

There is an ever-growing body of research supporting this, too. Studies have shown that integrating physical activity into lessons, even in simple ways, can have a positive impact on attainment, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. Whether through movement-based tasks, active games, or simply getting up and changing environments, physical activity helps stimulate cognitive function, improve memory, and boost concentration.

But beyond the stats and studies, we know it just makes sense. Think about those fidgety pupils who struggle to sit still, or the ones who zone out during long explanations. When you give them permission to move, you’re not just helping them let off steam, you’re meeting them where they are and giving them a pathway into learning that actually works for them.

This is particularly powerful for learners with SEND or additional needs. Physical activity can support sensory regulation, provide structure through routine movement breaks, and offer alternative ways to express and understand concepts. I’ve worked with teachers who have completely transformed a child’s ability to access learning simply by introducing movement into lessons and activities.

One of the most effective approaches I’ve seen is combining physical activity with collaborative learning. Team-based games, movement challenges, and problem-solving activities that involve getting up and about, can build communication skills, support social

interaction, and encourage positive relationships in class. It’s not about doing PE, it’s about incorporating movement into learning in purposeful, accessible ways.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Making Active Learning Accessible

Incorporating physical activity into lessons doesn’t have to mean redesigning entire lessons or creating elaborate activities. Small changes like moving around the classroom to find the right answer or using the classic 'four corners' game can keep students engaged without disrupting the flow of learning. These strategies help students stay active and involved and reinforce key concepts. For neurodiverse learners, physical movement offers an essential outlet, helping them stay focused and engaged. It triggers dopamine production in the brain, boosting motivation, memory, and attention. By embedding movement into lessons, we not only enhance learning but make it more enjoyable and memorable for all students.

It’s important to remember that physical activity doesn’t have to distract from learning - it is learning. When children are actively engaged, their brains are more alert and primed for making connections. It supports not only physical development but cognitive, emotional, and social growth as well.

Creating a Culture of Movement

For school leaders and educators, the key is creating a culture where movement is seen as a normal part of learning, not a break from it. This might mean rethinking classroom layouts or teaching spaces, investing in staff training or resources, or simply giving teachers the freedom to experiment with new approaches. In my experience, once you see the impact physical activity can have on your learners, you won’t look back.

So, if you’ve been inspired by Olivia’s take on active learning through technology, I challenge you to take that one step further: how can you get your pupils moving more during lessons? Start small, be creative, and don’t be afraid to shake things up – literally - because when we get pupils out of their seats, we find they often rise to the challenge in more ways than one.