The World Health Organisation recently warned that more than 89% of young Australians are not getting the recommended daily dose of activity.
While the solution to this issue might seem obvious, one school principal says school uniforms can play an important part when it comes to improving the fitness of young people.
In an Australian school first, Kingswood College has partnered with leading performance wear brand 2XU to create a new activewear school wardrobe, evolving from its traditional blazer and old school tie.
Comprising breathable polos, compression tights and lightweight pants and shorts, a range of combinations will be phased in from the start of the 2021 school year.
Kingswood College Principal Elisabeth Lenders said the link between physical, emotional, and mental health is undeniable.
“Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems and poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health,” Lenders, said.
“The new Kingswood wardrobe will allow kids to be prepared to be physically active at any point in time. Not just when it’s timetabled”.
Abandoning the old school uniform for more comfortable activewear is a measured part of Kingswood’s Future Learning model, a program that recognises the importance of nurturing a students’ holistic health in order to support increased capacity to learn.
Developed from extensive research, Future Learning removes existing barriers to education and physical activity.
“The challenge of engaging young people in regular physical activity is not new and is now more important than ever - it is vital that school systems begin to address the fundamental issues of wellbeing for young people,” Lenders added.
Kingswood College Year 7 student Will welcomed the new school wardrobe:
“We’re all so excited to start wearing it. I know I’ll have a spring in my step – being comfortable helps so much as we go about daily school life.”
School parents are also supportive of the initiative. “It’s such a clever move by the school – bold, progressive, student-minded and future-focused,” says Tara, mother of Ava in Year 7 and Kai in Year 8.
The Kingswood partnership is the first of its kind for 2XU, an Australian performance-wear business success story.
“When we met the team at Kingswood, we were inspired by their vision and the positive impact they wished to make on their students but also the wider education system.” said 2XU Chief Marketing Officer Luke O’Shea.
“The team have looked to bring our core performance elements along with key requirements of durability and comfort that has allowed us to develop a truly innovative clothing range for all ages and bodies.”