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Importance of outdoor ‘play’ in secondary schools

Importance of outdoor ‘play’ in secondary schools

In this article, we unpick why outdoor play and physical activity are important in secondary schools and how to overcome the barriers stopping teenagers from joining in.

Secondary school is tough. The transition from primary, puberty, increased stress, expected independence, challenges to self-esteem, did we mention extra hormones?

It is understandable why it is a time of increased stress for teenagers. With all of this stress, healthy coping strategies are essential. Yet, teenagers are among the least active groups, missing out on the physical, mental and social benefits movement brings.

 

Why would teenagers want to ‘play’?

When you think of outdoor play, you’ll think of climbing frames and playground games like tag, stuck in the mud, and What’s the Time Mr Wolf. Although all are good sources of fun, they might not appeal to the teenagers in your school.

Outdoor play refers to anything creative, free-flowing and active (and outdoors).

Too often, we pigeonhole the term ‘play’ for young children. Play is a state of flow. Flow is being in the zone with something creative.

You may have heard of business coaching and self-help books like, ‘Screw Work, Let’s Play’? Where the concept surrounds the age-old saying, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’

By finding the right type of outdoor play opportunities for your secondary students and reducing the participation barriers- your pupils can enjoy outdoor play and the important benefits that come with physical movement.

 

Let’s talk about the Covid Kids

The ‘Covid Kids’ who were in nursery- year 4 during the lockdowns are now in years 3-8. They make up almost all of your current Key Stage 3. In the next 5 years, your school will consist only of ‘Covid Kids’.

Considering this group of children has the lowest happiness scores, has the least positive attitude to physical activity and reports a lower sense of opportunity than other peers, the groundwork you put in now to improve your outdoor play provision will be much needed.

 

What are the barriers to exercise in secondary schools?

Teenagers face a lot of barriers when it comes to staying physically active, both during school hours and in their free time.

For one, the cost of living crisis has made activities that were once accessible- like gym memberships, sports clubs, or even buying equipment- out of reach for many families.

This financial strain means fewer teens can access structured physical activities outside of school. Within school, outdated facilities or lack of age-appropriate equipment can also make it harder for students to feel motivated to get involved.

Ofsted also found in their report that many schools are covering the content but don’t offer pupils enough time to practise and build their Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS). Evaluate your provision. Do pupils have too many sports and their knowledge and application are spread too thinly, or are the sports you offer due for a refresh? Pickleball anyone?

Then there’s the social side- the fear of judgment or not being “good enough” at something can stop teens from trying at all. Add in academic pressures, part-time jobs, and the ever-present pull of screen time, and it’s clear that physical activity is often pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

Schools have a real opportunity here to level the playing field, offering free and inclusive options like outdoor gym equipment that’s fun, accessible, and eliminates those financial and social barriers.

Some of our suggested picks for outdoor gym equipment are:

Most of the above equipment is available in children’s sizes (in our school outdoor gym range) and for aged 14+ (in our adult steel gym range).

Why is outdoor play important for secondary schools?

 

Reducing obesity levels

Children and young people aren’t moving enough. Only 47.8% meet the recommended daily physical activity amount (60 minutes daily). When you factor in that, it can include walking to and from school- all children should be hitting a minimum of an hour’s movement daily.

The knock-on effect, of course, is physical health. Obesity rates increase from 9.6% of reception children being overweight or obese to 22.1% of children in year 6 meeting the same criteria. The number of obese children increases from 22.% to 30.2% in areas of deprivation.

Pupils’ weight is monitored in reception and year 6, meaning the data trail stops during secondary school. We do know the current overweight (including obesity) prevalence in adults (18+) in England is 64%. The gap between ages 11-18 is crucial for developing healthy movement habits to improve physical wellness.

 

Providing an ambitious PE curriculum

Ofsted ran a physical education subject review in 2023, the findings were less than favourable. PE and sports across primary and secondary are not meeting the standards and ambitions set by the national curriculum for pupil knowledge and skills across the board.

Secondary schools, in particular, were highlighted as requiring significant focus and direction to ensure Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) were understood and built upon, especially within Key Stage 4 compulsory PE.

Ensuring your school has an outdoor activity provision to inspire and motivate pupils helps to improve your overall PE provision.

 

Teen mental health

We like to think the connection between good mental health and exercise is well-known.  We can’t, however, take for granted that pupils are aware of physical activity benefits.

When asked, adults could recognise exercise improves physical, mental and sleep health as a minimum. Also noting that exercise improved their mood, helped with stress management, increased their energy level and boosted their confidence.

However, Nuffield Health found that 36% of the younger generation (16-24-year-olds) were unaware of the connection between exercise and mental health.

In 2024, the age group most affected by poor mental health is the younger generation (16-24). With nearly a quarter describing their mental health as ‘the worst it has ever been’.

Eyes are on secondary schools when it comes to encouraging healthy movement habits in teenagers. Access to outdoor gym equipment to encourage movement and habits should be a minimum for each school.

 

Teen body image

Your pupils undergo their largest body changes when in your care. Their year 11 pictures are in stark contrast to the year 7 that joined you and your team. With unlimited access to social media, teenagers find body image one of the main reasons for negative and depressive thoughts.

The Mental Health Foundation found that 37% of teenagers feel upset, and 31% feel ashamed of their bodies when asked.

Movement and physical exercise help to increase body confidence, control over body image and a healthy understanding that all bodies are different.

You may have heard of the increasingly popular body weight fitness Calisthenics. Found all over social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, pupils now have access to videos, tutorials and activities to build their own strength and fitness using only body weight (and a few helpful pieces of equipment).

 

Building healthy habits

When you want to build a healthy habit, the easiest way to succeed is to make the hard things easy and the easy things hard. For example, to reduce preparation time to eat healthily, cut up fruit and store them in easy-to-reach containers in the fridge, moving the unhealthy snacks out of view.

So, how do we apply this to our secondary school students? Healthy snacks, access to equipment, the profile of sport and PE in school, access to support and advice. Outdoor play is important.

Consider:

  • Installing outdoor gym equipment in a section of your outdoor space
  • Invest in a Calisthenics unit for your pupils
  • Evaluate the sugar content of the snacks pupils can access
  • Share healthy habits with pupils (modelling good habits yourself)
  • Increase access to knowledgeable advice (from PE teachers or other trained employees)
  • Running before or after school body weight gym sessions for students (including a girls-only session)

Increased academic performance

Movement and physical exercise aren’t just great for the body- they’re a powerhouse for the brain, too.

Research has shown that regular physical activity improves cognitive function, memory, and focus, making it a game-changer for academic performance. This is especially true for pupils with additional needs, such as ADHD.

Exercise increases the production of brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a crucial role in attention and mood regulation. Incorporating movement into the school day- whether through active play, outdoor gym equipment, or even short physical breaks in class- can help them stay focused, process information more effectively, and feel less restless.

How to improve your outdoor play provision

We’re known for our bespoke playground designs. Working to make ‘unusable’ sections of your outdoor space an area fit for exercise and movement for your pupils.

To see our full range of outdoor gym equipment suitable for your secondary school, request your free Playtime by Fawns brochure.

Or to chat more about your project plans, our team are on hand to help- just fill in our contact us form with some basic ideas to get started.

 

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