By James Penstone, Secondary Principal
17 May 2024


The Vital Role of Exercise in Enhancing Wellbeing and Cognitive Strength

As an educator constantly seeking ways to improve the learning experiences of our students, I often find myself reflecting on my own school years, now over three decades ago. When I look back, I realise that one of the best foundations for my academic journey was my commitment to physical fitness.

Throughout my secondary school years, I was deeply involved in physical activities, particularly running. I vividly remember a routine checkup at age 15 when the school nurse took my heart rate and remarked that it was the lowest she had seen among the students at our school. I felt especially validated by that comment, perhaps more so than any grade of piece of academic feedback I received.

Today, as a self-confessed ‘data-head’ who closely monitors various physical metrics through my Garmin smartwatch, I still strive to maintain a low resting heart rate. I now see my commitment to physical fitness as an important investment in my future health.

The reason I share this personal story is to underscore a truth that is increasingly supported by sophisticated scientific research: the profound benefits of physical activity for both adults and children. At ICS, we incorporate Physical and Health Education into our curriculum, offering classes twice a week up until the diploma years when all students receive 90 minutes of PE with special emphasis on activity. Many schools abandon PE in the final two years, but I am proud that we continue to prioritise it.

However, it's crucial that our students engage in physical activity beyond the school schedule. Just as reading outside of school hours significantly enhances learning, regular physical activity offers remarkable benefits for our children's ongoing development. 

Here are some key advantages:

  • Enhanced Brain Function: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and improving overall brain function.
  • Cognitive Performance: Regular physical activity is linked to better memory, attention, and processing speed.
  • Mental Health Benefits: Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving mood.
  • Stress Reduction: Physical activity helps lower stress hormones like cortisol, contributing to better stress management.
  • Improved Sleep: Regular exercise promotes better sleep quality and duration, crucial for cognitive function and overall well-being.
  • Enhanced Learning: Physical activity improves learning and academic performance in children and adolescents.

We are fortunate to offer a wide range of athletic and sports activities across all age groups at ICS, and I am particularly proud of how inclusive our programme is - we welcome participants of all abilities. 

In our partnership with parents, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of supporting your child's commitment to physical activity. Whether it's a brisk walk, cycling, running, or participating in a sports club, there are numerous ways for students to stay active with family support. This should never be neglected.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a healthy, active lifestyle for our students.

Kind regards,

James Penstone
Secondary Principal