Benefits of Sport in British Education: The St George’s School Approach

 

Without a doubt, sport is an essential part of anyone's life, especially during childhood and adolescence, when habits that will last a lifetime are being formed. In an increasingly digital and sedentary world, sport in schools and, ultimately, physical activity in education play a fundamental role. At St. George's British International School, we are firmly committed to student wellbeing, and we know that this is enhanced through sport. Will you join us in discovering the benefits of sport in the lives of our students?

The impact of sport on physical and mental development

British (and, in general, English-speaking) education stands out for integrating sport as an essential part of its academic curriculum. This is no coincidence, nor is there any shortage of reasons for doing so, as it has been more than confirmed that sport is decisive in the development of students, not only physically but also (and especially) mentally. This article in El Confidencial and the study cited, which brings together various research on this subject, is very interesting. In fact, the reality is that sport in schools, when practised regularly, has direct benefits on academic performance and on the development of key social skills for adult life.

Sport and improved academic performance

Academic performance is one of the most notable effects observed in students who lead a less sedentary and more sport-oriented lifestyle. In other words, the key is to combine physical activity with study. Promoting sport in schools and giving it the importance it truly deserves brings nothing but benefits for students of all ages. The study mentioned above particularly highlights the positive impact of physical activity on education for adolescents.

The scientific explanation for all this is simple. By reducing cortisol levels and promoting better quality rest, sport enhances concentration and memory, which are essential for learning. In addition, regular exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which boosts motivation, improves mood and helps to establish more positive interpersonal relationships. At St George's, we see this every day: students who combine study and sport not only progress academically, but also show greater self-confidence.

Sports facilities and programmes at St George's

One of our goals at St George's British International School is to make our students happy every day they come to school. We work hard to achieve this, because it is the basis of our values and our mission as teachers. That is why sport plays a central role in our educational approach.

At St George's, we have programmes designed to promote healthy habits and adapted facilities that allow students to balance sport and study. The British approach also allows us to offer a comprehensive education where motivation, perseverance and effort become everyday values.

Competitions, training and recreational activities

Returning to the great benefits of sport in schools, at St George's, we work with the conviction that successful education is based on the cross-curricular nature of the content that is transmitted and taught. Thus, we work on the skills specific to the educational period, but we also emphasise training aimed at improving their lives, adapting the content to the demands of the 21st century.

Because, beyond the classroom, sport is also a vehicle for developing vital skills such as personal improvement, teamwork and leadership. At St George's, we reinforce this vision with innovative programmes such as The Journey, based on outdoor learning. Through this experience, students discover their strengths and learn to face challenges adapted to their abilities, a learning experience that is highly valued in university admissions and in their professional future. Sport at school prepares our students to successfully face these transformative experiences.

If you are not yet familiar with our methodology, we invite you to visit us and discover how at St George's British International School we integrate sport into education as an essential part of student wellbeing. Book your visit and see first-hand how we educate our students to grow up happy, motivated and prepared for the future.