The research group Physical Activity in and around School aims to ensure that all children develop strong movement skills, engage in regular and sufficient daily physical activity, and enjoy being active. Together with Amsterdam school boards and the City of Amsterdam, we are working on this mission through five shared ambitions for the next 10  years. By pursuing these ambitions, we also aim to influence and bring about changes in the policies of the organisations involved.

Ambitions

• Physical education will be of high quality, supported by continuous professional development and a strong network of specialised physical education teachers.
• Every school will implement the Movement and Motor Skills Support Route, ensuring all children receive appropriate physical education and, where necessary, additional activities or care.
• Schools will gradually adopt a tailored Dynamic School Day, where every child breaks up sitting time with a movement activity every 30 minutes.
• ALO students and Pabo-ALO students will be trained in a rich learning environment, fostering collaboration between internship schools and the ALO.
• Collaborative research projects within the research group will support the shared mission.

Research themes

Our research is divided into 3 themes:

1. Better Learning to Move

We investigate how children can learn to move better during physical education classes and how these classes can encourage them to stay active throughout their lives. We explore how to make physical education fun and suitable for all children, regardless of their background or identity.

2. Inclusive Physical Education, Provision, and Care

We explore how to identify children with motor skill delays early and provide better support. We examine the necessary adjustments to physical education lessons and the additional physical activities and/or care that can assist them. Our focus is on collaboration with professionals and parents to offer the best possible support.

3. More Physical Activity In and Around School

We investigate how to make the school day more active. We look at the role of the physical education teacher, not only in the gym but also beyond it. Together with the school team and other local professionals, we ensure that children engage in sufficient and regular physical activity every day.

Collaborative Partners

Our key partners are the City of Amsterdam and the school board of Stichting Westelijke Tuinsteden (STWT). Together, we learn and innovate. What we learn, we share with other partners: school boards in the Amsterdam region, other knowledge institutions, municipalities, and national partners such as the Beweegalliantie.

Connection with Education

The research group conducts practice-oriented research and works closely with colleagues from the ALO, Pabo-ALO, and Pabo to enrich study programs with new knowledge. We also develop additional training and professional development for members of the platform LO in Beweging.