De Waterhof: Learning to move well and learning through movement
Only 60 percent of children aged 4 to 12 meet the physical activity guidelines. With an average of 7.2 hours a day, children in our country are champions at sitting still. Children not only exercise less, but also less effectively. This is a trend that the ultimate winner from Delft is excellently equipped to counter.
The jury concluded that this school excels in high-quality physical education lessons taught by the specialist teacher, with learning to move better, managing movement and appreciating movement all taking centre stage. In addition, a great deal of energy is devoted to encouraging physical activity during school hours, with supervised outdoor play being important. The jury sees significant benefits for pupils from using peer teaching. “During the jury visit, we heard a clear and consistent story from both the physical education specialist teacher and the activity team, the class teachers, the principals and the pupils. Specialist teacher Nick is the central figure in implementing this policy,” said jury member Wiebe Faber of the KVLO. The broad role of the physical education specialist teacher, the so-called specialist teacher 2.0, was central to this election.
Physical education specialist teacher Nick Keijser of De Waterhof responds: “We were hopeful of winning the title, but it is always exciting until the very end. The other school also has a very impressive programme.”
Informal battle & knowledge-sharing event
At the opening, the pupils of the nominated schools put on a spectacular informal battle under the guidance of YouTubers and freerunners Rutger Schipper and Mees van Dam. De Margarethaschool won this battle. Both schools were rewarded for their efforts and won an air product from 12SPRINGS.
In addition to the election, a successful knowledge event entitled ‘More physical activity throughout the school day in primary education’ took place on the same day. It focused on knowledge sharing by the nominated schools and cooperation between local authorities and education, integrating movement into the school day, and organising high-quality physical education lessons.
About the election for 'Most Sporty School in the Netherlands'
Every year, the KVLO and the Knowledge Centre for Sport and Exercise organise the election for the ‘Most Sporty School in the Netherlands’. One year, the search is for the most sporty primary school and the most sporty special (primary) education school, while the following year, the elections are organised for secondary education and special secondary education. The aim of this election is to recognise sport-active schools and departments that offer an exceptionally good or innovative programme of physical activity and sport for their school. In addition, the organisation is keen to give these schools a platform to inspire other schools. Naturally, all schools are 'Healthy Schools’. Bosan, Janssen-Fritsen and Nijha provide vouchers for all nominated schools every year. More information: https://www.kvlo.nl/sportiefsteschool/