Cover Sports help develop character and mental fitness (Photo: iStock)
Sports help develop character and mental fitness (Photo: iStock)
1 / 1
For a long time, sports have been viewed as a way to stay healthy and in shape, but its importance goes much deeper especially for school-going children
Sport has long been an established part of all good international schools’ curriculum yet compared to other curricular activities, parents typically do not rate it in a place of importance in the development of children. It is traditionally regarded as just a fun activity for kids to spend their energy, but with little practical value.
However, we now know that this is not true. Your child’s weekly tennis rounds or rugby games can have real benefits on their mental, physical, and social development. Studies have shown that being active in sports increases blood flow to the brain and helps the body build more connections between nerves, leading to increased concentration, enhanced memory, stimulated creativity, and better developed problem-solving skills.
In short, playing sports helps the brain grow and makes it work better.
Read more: How these visionary educators are shaping the future of Asia
Above Patrick Mouratoglou and Serena Williams (Photo: Epsom International School)
Patrick Mouratoglou and Serena Williams (Photo: Epsom International School)
1 / 1
At Epsom College in Malaysia, students get a chance to experience a range of sports, thus shaping a positive lifelong attitude towards fitness and health. Those with a keen interest in a particular activity can opt for co-curricular sessions that take place every afternoon. Students train at least twice a week, and teams at every age group will compete in inter-house tournaments as well as against other schools.
The school currently has a pioneering partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou, founder of the Mouratoglou Academy and one of the most influential coaches in tennis. The Mouratoglou Tennis Programme equips students of all ability levels with the knowledge, skills, competence and confidence to perform both on and off the court.
Open to students aged 11 and above, the programme also provides talented young athletes with an intensive training schedule if one wants to work towards a professional tennis career.
See also: How two Malaysian boarding schools encourage nutritious eating
Meanwhile St Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia offers a range of team sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, netball and swimming for students. “We also offer recreational sports, such as running. Students are coached by a blend of our PE teachers and professional coaches, as well as support from keen teachers of other subjects. Our CCA programme also offers physical activity options such as body weight boot camps, dance club and climbing,” shares Andy Bayfield, assistant principal, Character Development And Well-Being (High School). The school also boasts an all-weather outdoor football field, a basketball court, rooftop tennis courts, a 25m swimming pool, as well as dance studios and a multipurpose hall with a viewing gallery.
Sport can be seen as both an important subject within itself and as a supplement to bolstering students’ performance in other subjects and general well-being. As a stand-alone subject, sport is vital in developing younger students’ hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and general coordination, whereas in older students, it helps build self-awareness, courage, integrity, and emotional and social intelligence.
Above Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
1 / 1
According to Bayfield, sport is a subject that can act as a foundation for all aspects of schooling. “In terms of mental health, we know through science that cognition, memory and motivation are supported by chemicals released during physical activity, and that consistent exercise can slow down the ageing process and even improve our ability to learn. Sport fosters resilience, determination and helps build self-discipline, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with divergent peers,” he says.
Sports can be a child’s first experience of working as a team, understanding others and persevering. Bayfield says, “In the right type of environment, sports can play a key role in the development of student character—as a Lasallian school we aim to channel that, and our teachers act as role models in building character through sportsmanship and respect through sports.”
A top-notch sports programme allows teachers to see and therefore understand students from different approaches; you learn more about them than you do in just a classroom setting. This allows schools to better support students, as sport reveals different aspects of a student’s character and personality.
At Shattuck-St Mary’s Forest City International School (SSM-FC), sports is a core element of a holistic education, with the philosophy of educating the whole person, beyond core academics. “We are fortunate to have outstanding facilities and dedicated teachers and coaches,” says Vincent Lerouvillois, athletics director at SSM-FC.
Lerouvillois adds, “Sports is a popular and an important part of our community here at SSM-FC. We value the role of sports and physical activity. Our school motto is “All-In” and we believe in the concept of sports for all. You will regularly see students practising with teachers after school. Sport is enjoyed by both staff and students which creates a wonderful and joyful environment. We are encouraging everyone to join us to create memories and new friendships.”
Inclusive sport is really important in schools, with every student able to engage and be part of the lesson or sports club. Gone are the days when only the best sports people were encouraged to participate. “Football and basketball are very popular at St Joseph’s, and it has been fantastic to see the growth of girls’ football over the last academic year also,” shares Bayfield.
When it comes to picking the right sport, Bayfield’s advice is to pick a sport that challenges you. “If you are naturally introverted and suited to working alone, choose a team sport. If you need that peer support and recognition to get motivated, maybe pick tennis or swimming as a way to develop a more independent drive.”
NOW READ
Five students on navigating their first year in university
How to plan for a fulfilling and productive gap year
My life at coarding School in the UK, according to Kayden Chua
