It’s official. Injecting movement into maths and English lessons can raise results across the board. Studies show that physically active learning (PAL), an approach that combines physical activity and targeted academic learning, improves primary school pupils’ confidence, resilience, and results in any subject.
PAL delivers an inspiring alternative to traditional desk-based teaching methods, which see pupils sitting for 50-70% of their school day. Children are proven to absorb, understand, and retain core KS1 and KS2 concepts by fusing National Curriculum content with brain-boosting bursts of movement.
Physically active learning also gets pupils out of their seats and on the go, helping them achieve their daily 30 minutes of in-school exercise. Fancy winning a free six-week PAL programme for the next half term? Learn more.
The science behind the success
Study after study, PAL highlighted the link between physical activity and academic attainment. Take the six-week investigation at Leeds Beckett University in 2019. The research compared outcomes for children participating in the Maths on the Move (MOTM) programme against control groups in typical classroom-style maths lessons.
In before-and-after performance tests, marks significantly improved over time for children on the MOTM programme compared to classroom-based pupils.
Fast forward to the 2022-2023 academic year, and our Maths on the Move and English on the Move programmes continued to build key skills and self-belief:
Maths on the Move: Redefining results since 2015
Maths on the Move – our original PAL programme – teaches essential concepts through well-paced, movement-based games and challenges. It’s created by teachers and seamlessly aligned with the KS1 and KS2 maths curriculum. Each workshop series features:
See the sessions in action:
English on the Move: Making the fundamentals fun
Designed for Years 1-6, English on the Move (EOTM) applies the same game-changing PAL principles to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. High-energy sessions reframe confusing language rules, using fun, focused activities to aid understanding and reduce learning anxiety.
Put the programme to work alongside classroom-based lessons for:
Watch the clip to learn more:
You’re invited! Try the workshops at our showcase events
Want to experience our Maths and English on the Move sessions in person? Join us for our showcase events at Penns Primary School, Highfield Junior and Infants, and Mill Lodge Primary School.
Reserve your place on the link below. We look forward to seeing you!
Find out more
Our physically active learning programmes are based on a wealth of research and analysis. Our free resources help you learn more about PAL’s practicalities, proof points, and positive outcomes.