The
Active Movement programme has been developed by ISEH Consultant Dr Mike
Loosemore as a counter to the epidemic of obesity, particularly amongst
the young. Unlike other health interventions, it is not about exercise
regimes or one-off fads, but integrates the most basic non-sedentary
behaviour and low-level activity into the daily routines of children
both at school and in the home.
This simple, yet pioneering approach is designed to educate
children about the benefits of adding some activity to their lives and
inspiring them to do so. Its simple processes, universal accessibility,
easy implementation, ongoing communication and comprehensive supervision
make it straightforward for schools to introduce, without lengthy
training, class disruption or curriculum re-organisation.
A pilot across schools in Berkshire (backed by the local council) is
currently in progress with a formal evaluation to take place in July to
follow the extraordinary anecdotal evidence the programme has revealed
so far.
We spoke to a pupil at one of the participating secondary school about his experience on the Active Movement programme:
How has Active Movement helped you?
"Active Movement has supported me with all of my subjects and urges me to persevere and be more determined with life. It persuades me that life isn’t all about watching television and playing computer games but to build my confidence with others and change my lifestyle, for example to have a balanced and healthy diet and to get outside of the house more. My favourite quote linked quite closely with Active Movement is: When life gives you lemons; make lemonade…"
What is Active Learning?
"Active learning is experiential, mindful, and engaging. Through it you can explore a set of learning experiences that can be more effective and interesting, and you can take more responsibility for your education. This is especially critical in an online environment where you may not even meet your teacher or fellow students."
Which parts of Active Movement have you benefited from?
"Since Active Movement has been triggered into our school by the many posters and signs for better learning health that have been put up around the school building. Whenever I pass one I really try and examine what it means so I get the full purpose of its true presence. For example: ‘Stand up. Glucose and insulin level down.’ I believe it means that you need to stand up to not let sugar and other junk food take over your body and make you become obese and unhealthy. I also think standing up in class while the teacher or administrator is doing the register and sit down when your name is called out is also extremely significant and important. From what I have heard standing up daily burns calories like you are running ten marathons a year."
Has Active Movement made you revise more for your examinations?
"In one word yes, although in detail it’s influenced to not just simply rush it, then look up on the Internet and to copy it down, but to actually focus on the matter in hand. When you research facts on the human body for science homework, read and look in a non-fiction book so you actually do something instead of staring at a screen. Overall, Active Movement has supported and aided me to do well in my tests and exams and I hope it has with others not just me."