Areas Benefitted

Children and Young People

Case Study

Breaking Down Barriers: Empowering Girls Through Physical Activity

Scunthorpe Park Walk with Year 11 girls from St. Lawrence Academy.

Not all teen girls enjoy PE at school! At Active Humber we’ve been working with some local schools across the Humber region to help find new ways to encourage schoolgirls to enjoy more of the benefits of being active.

This academic year, our ongoing initiative has focused on addressing barriers faced by girls in years 9, 10, and 11 when participating in school PE and physical activity. Working collaboratively with schools, we've identified girls who typically don't enjoy PE and have embarked on a mission to dismantle these barriers.

Recently, Lucy Gray our development manager, worked with a group of year 11 girls from St Lawrence Academy in Scunthorpe for a unique 6-week program of activities and events led by The Pods - a local leisure centre. As part of this initiative, the girls took part in a variety of activities, including junior gym sessions, stretching and mindfulness exercises, and a walk around the nearby park.

The photos captured during their park stroll show the joy and camaraderie experienced by the girls. Engaged in fun-filled activities with friends, they enjoyed taking part in physical activity without even realising it. This approach, tailored to their interests and preferences, has been instrumental in fostering a positive relationship with movement and fitness.

Recognising that physical activity isn't one-size-fits-all, our aim is to provide diverse opportunities for girls to explore and discover activities they enjoy. This inclusive approach not only promotes physical well-being but also nurtures a lifelong love for staying active.

According to the teacher, witnessing the girls enjoy the activities amidst their GCSE exam preparations was a heart-warming sight.

Together, we're breaking down barriers and paving the way for a healthier, happier future.