As children learn in different ways, A-life educational workshops try to cater for all pupils by providing a mixture of healthy schools activities, involving kinaesthetic, audio and visual learning. A-life believes that healthy living is one of the most important subjects taught and is well worth investing in. Good health not only impacts a child’s long-term future and personal life, but also improves behaviour, energy levels, concentration, attendance, academic ability, strength, growth and emotional health. All of which should make a teacher’s job easier and more fulfilling, allowing them to focus on teaching.
Some of the skills we expect pupils to develop during an A-life session:
| Reading | Following Instructions |
| Processing Information | Evaluation |
| Logical thinking | Arranging/Organising |
| Listening | Observation |
| Concentration | Decision Making |
| Communication | Spatial Awareness |
| Reasoning | Cultural Differences |
| Creative thinking | Evaluation Skills |
| Teamwork | Literacy/Numeracy |
| Personal and social interaction |
Pupils will also gain an understanding of:
- How to keep their heart and lungs healthy.
- The benefits of exercise and a wider appreciation of alternative active pursuits.
- How being active can be fun and does not necessarily have to involve sport!
- Alternative food choices.
- The harmful effects of smoking and alcohol and the dangers of some medicines for KS1
- What constitutes a balanced diet and why it is important.
- Effects of lifestyle choices on health and well being.
- How to interact with an adult who is not their teacher.
- The A-life programme requires children to work in teams through a number of tasks and challenges incorporating many aspects of the SEAL programme.
- Independent learning as part of a small group
A-life meets much of the healthy school PSHE curriculum and enhancement criteria.– Mrs. D. Brown, Glenfield Infant School, Hants (Years R-2)
Well Organised – really suited children’s levels and excellent range of activities. The children enjoyed the visual and kinesthetic aspects to the sessions. I thought both sessions were great–Brookland Junior School, (years 3-6)
…perfectly pitched at key stage 1 curriculum.– Kelly Wells – Assistant Headteacher, Stoke Park Infant School, Eastleigh (Years 1-2)
…pitched at correct level – lots of information and children learnt lots.– Great Kingshill School, Bucks (Years R-6)
…The children learned communication skills, cooperation, as well as what is a healthy lifestyle and what they can do about it.– Liz Ramm, Randage CofE Infant School, Bucks (Years N-2)
…it made our Science week.–Mrs. Kim Ford, Kings Court School Winsor (Years 1-4)
…The children learnt…communication skills and cross curricular subject knowledge.– Mrs. Green, Mrs. Dhak, St. Anselms RC Primary School, Southall (Years 1-6)
…During the day the children have learnt more about healthy lifestyle choices and increased vocabulary for discussing healthy lifestyles.– Mrs. Moss, Pinewood Infant School, Farnbourgh (Years R-2)
…provided many elements of the science, PSHE and PE curriculum in a way we would not have been able to deliver as a school.– Frith Manor Primary School, North London (Years R-6)
Specific Links to the National Curriculum
Each activity relates to the National Curriculum, below are some of the units covered.
Key stage oneScience |
Key stage twoScience |
Schemes of work A-life cover
| Science
Unit 2A: Health and growth Section 1: Why we eat and drink. Section 2: Eating different kinds of food. Section 3: Planning a meal. Section 4: Exercising. Unit 3A: Teeth and eating Section 2: Types of food. Section 3: Eating for health. Unit 4A: Moving and growing. Section 4: Growing Section 8: Muscles and exercise Unit 5A: Keeping healthy. Section 2: A poor diet Section 3: A varied diet Section 4: Exercising Section 5: The heart and lungs Section 8: Exercise and pulse rate Section 9: Drugs, tobacco, alcohol and health Design and technology Unit 1C: Eat more fruit and vegetables. Unit 3B: Sandwich snacks. Geography Unit 5: Section 2: Where in the world |
PE involvement during the circuits (Years 3-6 0nly)
Unit 8, 9, 21, 22: Dance activities Section 1: Acquiring and developing skills Section 3: Knowledge and understanding of fitness and health. Section 4: Evaluating and improving performance. Unit 14 & 15, 27, 28: Gymnastic activities Section 1: Acquiring and developing skills Section 3: Knowledge and understanding of fitness and health. Section 4: Evaluating and improving performance. Unit 17, 18, 29 Athletic activities Section 1: Acquiring and developing skills Section 3: Knowledge and understanding of fitness and health. Section 4: Evaluating and improving performance. Unit 32: Games activities. Section 1: Acquiring and developing skills Section 3: Knowledge and understanding of fitness and health. Section 4: Evaluating and improving performance. Unit 19, 20, 30: Outdoor and adventurous activities Section 1: Acquiring and developing skills Section 3: Knowledge and understanding of fitness and health. Section 4: Evaluating and improving performance. |

