Active Schools
Active Schools aims to get Scotland's school children more active more often. It plays a large role in providing children the opportunity to try a variety of sports and make an ongoing commitment to them.
Active Schools, part of the Health Promoting Schools drive, is the nation-wide merger, development and extension of the previous School Sports Co-ordinators Programme (secondary sector) and Active Primary School Pilot Programme, and is designed to tackle the low levels of physical activity highlighted by the Physical Activity Task Force.
It aims to cater for all pupils, especially those who are not interested in or feel excluded from mainstream sports such as football and rugby, by offering activities such as dance and martial arts.
On top of this, it also aims to get the local community and clubs involved with the delivery of physical activity and sporting opportunities to children. Through this community interaction, there is a huge potential for increasing awareness of, and opportunities for, minority as well as mainstream sports among both pupils and the community.
Key outcomes can be seen in the areas of:
- Health - improving physical, mental and social dimensions;
- Education - raising achievement;
- Citizenship - social responsibility and leadership;
- Physical development - improved motor competence and confidence;
- Sports participation - increased opportunities and participation levels; and
- Fun - it communicates physical activity in a fun way.
Research demonstrates that those most likely to remain active for life are involved in a wide range of activities when young. Therefore it is vital to establish active lifestyles and develop basic skills which will allow young people to participate in physical activity or sport throughout their lives.
The Scottish Executive contributes £12 million per annum towards the funding of Active Schools as part of the core element grant in aid to sportscotland. sportscotland is playing a lead role in developing, supporting and monitoring the Active Schools Network, and further information on this and the opportunities offered through it are available on their Active Schools Webpages ( www.sportscotland.org.uk).
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