The Role of Physical Activity in Student Wellbeing
As the Head of the boarding department and physical education teacher of Harrow Heng Qin, I have always realised the importance of sports activities to students’ physical and mental health. Physical exercise can not only enhance students’ physical fitness, but also effectively help them to adjust their emotions, improve their concentration and achieve better academic performance. In this article, I will discuss how sports activities can comprehensively promote students’ healthy growth from multiple angles, and how we can help students find a balance in their rigorous academic life and improve their overall happiness through the combination of their boarding life and physical education.
The Boarding Experience and Physical Health
At Harrow, we strive to create a consistently supportive environment that encourages boarders to participate in a variety of activities, with sports being the most popular choice. Not only do boarders engage in sports independently, but staff also take an active role in leading sessions like football, basketball, and frisbee. These activities help students form strong friendships across different grades, and many seniors have developed strong leadership skills through participation. We have also organised several friendly matches within the boarding house.
As part of this wonderful team, I have developed a routine of morning runs and fitness training, and now some boarders join me 3-4 times a week. This is entirely optional, but it offers them a great opportunity to establish a healthy lifestyle. A testament to this is our recent long-distance race, where all three top finishers were boarders.
Building Community and Social Skills through Sport
At Harrow, physical activities serve as an essential tool for fostering a strong sense of community among boarders. Sports such football, basketball, and frisbee create opportunities for students to engage in teamwork, build trust, and develop social bonds. These activities naturally encourage interaction between students from different grades, allowing them to connect and form lasting friendships.
In such a diverse school environment, sports serve as a universal language that transcends cultural differences, helping students from various backgrounds feel included and united. The friendly competitions and shared experiences on the field promote collaboration, leadership, and respect, all of which are vital for personal development and a positive boarding experience.
For many boarders, especially those adjusting to life away from home, physical activities offer a meaningful way to overcome homesickness and ease the transition into boarding life. Engaging in sports not only provides an outlet for energy but also helps students build connections with their peers in a fun, supportive environment. When students participate in activities like morning runs or team sports, they become part of a group dynamic, which gives them a sense of belonging. This shared experience fosters camaraderie, making it easier for boarders to adjust to their new surroundings. By being involved in these dynamic, social interactions, boarders find a healthy way to connect, relieve stress, and focus on something positive, which can greatly enhance their overall wellbeing.
Mental Wellbeing and Exercise
At Harrow, we recognise the strong connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing. Regular exercise, such as football, running, and fitness sessions, has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. As a PE teacher, I have witnessed firsthand how students experience emotional improvement through consistent participation in physical activities. Beyond the physical benefits, there is a clear link between physical and mental health that often results in better academic performance. As Head of Boarding, I encourage students to engage in regular exercise, helping them achieve a balanced lifestyle that supports both their emotional and academic success.
The Long-term Benefits of Active Lifestyles
Fostering an active lifestyle during students’ time at Harrow Zhuhai lays a strong foundation for long-term wellbeing. By encouraging boarders to engage in regular physical activities like football, morning runs, and fitness training, we help them develop healthy habits that will benefit them well beyond their school years. These activities not only improve their mental and physical health but also build leadership skills, teamwork, and friendships across different grades.
As Head of Boarding and a PE teacher, I am deeply committed to cultivating a culture of wellbeing through physical activity. I believe that promoting sports and fitness is not just about short-term success but about instilling a lifelong appreciation for health, balance, and personal growth. Whether through structured team sports or optional morning fitness sessions, my vision is to help every student thrive both inside and outside the classroom by maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
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