PE & Outdoor Ed @ Craven PRS

Research has shown that students who undertake brief bursts of exercise before taking tests score higher. In addition, regular activity breaks during the school day can help sharpen students' abilities to focus and stay on task.

Strong evidence is provided that aerobic exercise physically remodels the brain for peak performance on all fronts. In short, not only does exercise help the brain get ready to learn but it actually makes retaining information easier. Research also shows that exercise can be the best defence against a lot of the common mental health issues that students struggle with. 

Stress 

Exercise controls the emotional and physical feelings of stress, and it also works at the cellular level. Physical activity is a natural way to prevent the negative consequences of stress because it can ward off the ill effects of chronic stress and actually reverse them. 

Anxiety and panic disorders 

The majority of studies show aerobic exercise significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety disorders. Through exercise, people learn to alleviate anxiety and rebuild their confidence. 

Depression 

Endorphins produced in the brain during exercise contribute to a general feeling of well-being. Exercise also boosts dopamine, which improves mood and jump-starts the attention span.   

ADHD 

School can be an especially excruciating environment for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because of the need to sit still, face forward, and listen.