Objective:
A Whole-School Approach to Active Learning Using Teach Active for Engagement, Wellbeing and Success
The Challenge
Following Teach Active training, we identified the need to create more opportunities for pupils to be physically active beyond PE and extra-curricular provision. Research shows that regular physical activity positively impacts pupils' engagement, learning outcomes, and mental wellbeing.
Our goal was to embed active learning strategies into everyday classroom practice to increase activity levels, enhance enjoyment of learning, improve educational outcomes, and support wellbeing for both pupils and staff.
What We Did
Staff Training & Development
All teaching staff received Teach Active training, establishing a shared understanding of the approach. Active learning became a key priority in our School Development Plan.
Modelling in Staff Meetings
We included an active learning activity at the start of every staff meeting. This allowed staff to experience activities first-hand, trial them in their classrooms, and reflect on effectiveness. It also increased staff activity levels and created a positive, engaging start to meetings.
Building a Resource Bank
We developed a shared bank of Teach Active activities that could be adapted to each year group. Teachers gradually embedded these into lesson planning across English and Maths, building confidence in integrating physical activity into academic learning.
Parent Engagement
During our 'Call in...' sessions (where parents join their children in class), all classes led a Teach Active activity. This allowed parents to actively participate and understand how physical activity supports learning, reinforcing the approach at home.
The Impact
Pupil Outcomes
Pupils consistently report enjoying lessons that involve movement. Through pupil voice meetings, they've shared that active learning helps them remember information better, improves understanding, and makes lessons more engaging. We've also seen improved focus and positive impacts on classroom behaviour.
"I really enjoy active learning because it gets me moving while I'm still learning. Doing fun activities helps me remember things better and understand what we've learned in class." — Year 6 pupil
"I like learning in an active way because I don't want to be sat down and silent all day. Moving around, talking and doing activities helps me learn better than just writing in my book." — Year 5 pupil
Staff Benefits
Staff confidence has grown significantly. Experiencing activities first-hand rather than just reading lesson plans has increased their competence in delivering active learning strategies. Teachers now feel empowered to adapt activities to suit their year groups and subjects.
Active learning has become embedded as a normal way of working and is now routinely used across the curriculum. An unintended benefit has been creative adaptation into non-core subjects – for example, Year 5 adapted an activity for science where pupils 'orbited the sun' to collect information about astronomers.
"The benefit of active learning in the classroom is that all children are involved. No child in my class is passive; quieter pupils are actively engaged and visibly more confident in their learning." — Mrs. Bracewell, Year 3 Teacher
"I can't imagine teaching without them now. Initially, there were concerns that increased activity might lead to pupils becoming off-task; however, the opposite has been true." — Mrs. Cawley, Assistant Headteacher
Sustainability
Active learning is now embedded as a sustainable part of teaching and learning across the school. It's no longer viewed as an additional initiative but as a normal way of working.
Staff confidence continues to grow through regular use and professional development. Active learning activities will continue to be included in staff meetings, ensuring good practice is reinforced, new ideas are shared, and the approach remains a core element of our school culture.