More than half (51 per cent) of 11-16 year olds believe they don’t do enough physical activity each week, according to research conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Children First for Health website (CFfH).
The government has set a target of one hour of physical activity per day for 11-16 year olds. To help PSHE and PE teachers educate and motivate Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils, CFfH have launched GET FIT, a free interactive e-learning resource which can be used to plan and evaluate lessons in line with the National Curriculum and Healthy Schools programme.
Packed with age-appropriate designs and engaging content, GET FIT also includes lesson plans and celebrity health interviews with stars including Matt Horne (Gavin & Stacey), Freema Ageyman (Dr Who) and singer Lemar.
CFfH project manager, Marcella Mcevoy, said: “GET FIT is aimed at supporting teachers by providing material which informs students about how an hour of daily physical activity will benefit both their physical and mental health in an appealing and youth-friendly way.
“We recognise not every young person wants to participate in sport, so GET FIT can also recommend alternative activities and pursuits to help every young person find something that can bring them health benefits and be enjoyable.”
From January, Great Ormond Street Hospital is looking for 100 schools to pilot the scheme over a three month period. Teachers should visit www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk/teens/getfit to sign up and use GET FIT in the classroom.
GET FIT sections include:
- A free teachers resource area featuring lesson plans and a video trailer to enable teachers to use the online resource in classroom sessions
- Engaging teen-friendly e-learning resources which show the benefits of physical exercise and motivate young people to try different activities
- Interactive diary tools to help young people plan an hour of exercise into their daily routine and keep track of their physical activity
- Knowledge quizzes for teachers to test their student’s knowledge after they have completed the different GET FIT chapters.
Contact information:
For further information please contact Hayley Dodman, Great Ormond Street Hospital press office, on 0207 239 3126 or email
dodmah@gosh.nhs.ukFor genuine and urgent out of hours call speak to switchboard on 020 7405 9200
