The theme of the 2022 election was ‘2+1+2’. This concept aims for at least 2 hours of physical education for pupils, plus 1 additional hour of exercise during school hours, plus another 2 hours of extracurricular physical activity per week. All nominated schools had a strong implementation of this concept.

In addition, these physically active schools had the following things in common, among others:

  • All schools have a broad vision of physical activity. Exercise is used to develop motor skills, for social development (interacting with one another), and for personal development (well-being).
  • These schools made a conscious choice for the dynamic school day. The most frequently cited arguments were: more enjoyment at school and the fact that children work more attentively on core subjects after exercising.
  • The school leadership chose to promote more physical activity at school based on a clear vision. They ensure sufficient staffing for specialist teachers, and classroom teachers are given room to experiment with learning through movement.
  • The specialist teacher plays a supporting role as a source of inspiration for classroom teachers, for movement activities in the classroom and outdoor play activities.
  • The community sports coach (who is sometimes the specialist teacher) is in close contact with these schools. This makes it easier for them to build a relationship with the children and subsequently encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities.
  • It was striking that a number of schools work with junior coaches. These are older primary school children who assist during physical education lessons or when younger children play outside.

About the Sportiest School in the Netherlands election

Every year, the Royal Association for Physical Education (KVLO), together with NOC*NSF, the Knowledge Centre for Sport and Exercise, and Special Heroes, organizes the election for the Sportiest School in the Netherlands. All schools for mainstream and special education can participate. The purpose of this election is to recognize schools and subject departments that offer their pupils an exceptionally good or innovative range of physical activity and sports, and to inspire other schools with these ‘best practices’. One year, primary education is the focus; the next, secondary education. An expert professional jury assesses the sports and physical activity policy and provision.