The Youth Sport Trust works in partnership with schools and other relevant bodies. We help to implement and manage a huge variety of initiatives, designed to build a brighter future for young people through sport. Below is just one example of how our work makes a difference.
The problem
How can we encourage our students to eat more healthily?The solution
- Links were established with the Local Education Authority’s (LEA) 'Healthy Schools' team.
- A swipe card system was introduced to reward students for taking part in Out-of-School-Hours Learning (OSHL) activities and for buying healthy food.
- The canteen computer system was connected to the PE computer so that points could automatically be added.
- A card reader was installed to enable pupils to see the points being added as they swiped the card.
- Data collected was then used to write a new OSHL programme, which is now continually adjusted in response to new data.
- Creative and meaningful rewards were devised for students.
The results
- Increased awareness among staff, pupils and catering services about healthy lifestyles.
- An improved OSHL curriculum and increased participation.
- Improved GCSE results, both in PE and across the curriculum.
It worked because…
- The points system challenges and motivates students.
- The whole project is based on rewards.
- The catering service and the PE staff have been fully involved throughout the project.
- A local company wrote the software and we hold the licence so adjustments can be made quickly and easily.
- The pilot was rolled out slowly.
The Head Teacher’s verdict: “This exciting new development has helped the school to increase participation in extra-curricular sports activities which have benefited the pupils and helped to raise standards in PE.”