Via @dylanwilliam I found a new report examining the link between health and education. As Dylan William summarizes the questions: “Does higher achievement improve student health/well-being, or is it the other way round? Or does it work both ways?”
Well, the report gives clear answers:
- Pupils with better health and wellbeing are likely to achieve better academically.
- Effective social and emotional competencies are associated with greater health and wellbeing, and better achievement.
- The culture, ethos and environment of a school influences the health and wellbeing of pupils and their readiness to learn.
- A positive association exists between academic attainment and physical activity levels of pupils.
Still, do note:
The complexity of the interrelationships between outcomes makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about causality. However, this briefing offers head teachers, governors and school staff a summary of the key evidence that highlights the link between health and wellbeing and educational attainment. It underlines the value for schools of promoting health and wellbeing as an integral part of a school effectiveness strategy, and highlights the important contribution of a whole-school approach.