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Physically Active Learning in Surrey Schools (PALSS)

Physically Active Learning in Surrey Schools (PALSS)

Our PALSS campaign supports schools to create a more active school environment, focusing on tackling sedentary behaviour. Schools pledge to get their pupils moving more in 7 different active areas and we support every school with a free practical resource pack and by sharing case studies and school led best practice.

To find out a little more about PALSS, watch this video.

New for 2020 – Active Mind

Additional support to use the power of physical activity to improve mental wellbeing.

Why get involved in PALSS?

Improved focus

Active bursts break up classroom periods when children struggle to focus or become fidgety.

Improved attainment

Improvements in focus lead to better work. Not entirely sure that's true? See details of this research from the BBC.

Improved attendance

Children want to learn (and come to school) because the day is more fun when they’re moving! 

Reduction in sedentary behaviour

Sitting for long periods leads to poor health and a lack of concentration, even when we are really active at other times. Whatever your age, sitting for too long slows our metabolism and leads to a build-up of visceral fat, which can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Boost to mental wellbeing

Moving more improves our mental health, whether it's through the release of endorphins, reduction in cortisol or by connecting with others.

Ways to get moving

Ways to get moving

Below are ways that schools across Surrey are moving more:

Active Travel – Initiatives such as WOW travel and Golden Boot have helped many schools promote walking, scooting and cycling to school. We offer bespoke support through linking you with the Safer Surrey Travel team.

Active Mind – Utilising mindfulness, yoga, principles of a growth mindset and breathing to improve focus and positive mental health. 

Active Learning – Initiatives such as Maths on the Move and BBC Supermovers create active learning environments, both in and outside the classroom, and are proven to engage all learners.

Active Play – Using ‘play’ to engage all children in their learning and maximising engagement at break times. For example, using PhysiFUN activities at morning break and lunchtimes, which are often delivered by young leaders/champions who had been trained to run these activities.

Active Bursts – Incorporate bursts of activity throughout the school day, such as the well-known Daily Mile, to re-energise the body and the brain. Or simply standing to sing in assemblies has proved popular - not to mention invigorating  - at the Raleigh School and many others.

Active Home -  Supporting schools to assist pupils with the extra 30 minutes of moderate - vigorous activity children should engage with outside of the school day. For example providing children with kit bags or suitable video workouts and home-based activities. Also including activities that link back to curriculum.

Active Teaching – There are a range of opportunities for staff to get a little more active, such as teacher-led yoga, Joe Wicks HIIT classes and joining children on their Daily Mile or other 'Active Bursts'.  We also offer teacher training courses, such as our Developing Healthy Active Lifestyles course to help staff design and implement a whole-school action plan for PALSS. 

Getting involved

If you want to run your own activity day on a date that better suits you, we've produced a handy template. Feel free to use it, but do remember to pledge so that we can offer you further support and help you get your pupils moving more in a variety of ways.

PALSS supporters

  • Dr William Bird, MBE - originator of 'Green Gyms' health walks and ‘Beat the Streets’ active travel initiative. Preeminent social prescribing advocate
  • Dr Zoe Williams - BBC 'Trust Me I'm a Doctor' presenter and ex-Gladiator
  • Joe Wicks – ‘The Body Coach’ fitness and diet guru. Also, check out his PE with Joe workouts
  • Jade Jones-Hall - medal winning para-triathlete 
  • Imoves - providers of services and ideas to get your pupils active

Want to know more? 

 

Contact Ally Reid