The Short Advanced Programme (SAP) ‘Vital Schools – Movement-Friendly Playground’ is jointly coordinated by the Howest University of Applied Sciences (Howest), and the Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria).

This SAP focuses on enhancing student wellbeing at school, particularly addressing the issue of excessive sitting and lack of physical activity, which has become more prominent since the coronavirus crisis. The programme begins with online sessions that provide knowledge and skills to reduce sedentary time and promote movement in schools. Participants will explore why young people tend to sit for long periods and what motivates them to be more active, including the concept of nudging.

During the research week, students will apply what they’ve learned by working in groups at a school. They will study the principles of creating exercise-friendly playgrounds, with input from external partner MOEV, and examine a successful example at a school in Bruges. The students will go through a research cycle, creating personas, gathering data, and mapping current activity patterns.

The goal is to develop practical ideas for movement-friendly playgrounds, outdoor classrooms, and outdoor spaces that enhance student well-being and sustainability. This process involves close collaboration, interviews with key stakeholders, brainstorming, and creating creative visual models.

The final output will be a maquette, with the students presenting their ideas to the participating school at the end of the week.

Date
From 30 September to 25 October 2024

Face-to-face week
From 21 to 25 October at Howest, Bruges (Belgium)

Mode of delivery
Blended

Language of instruction
English

ECTS credits
3

Academic recognition
To be defined by each home institution.
Generally, this SAP will be certified in a diploma supplement as a minimal condition.

Eligible participants
All RUN-EU degree students.