In a world increasingly dominated by screens and technology, the importance of physical activity in schools is often overlooked. Yet, studies consistently show that physical activities are crucial for children’s overall development. In fact, according to a report by the World Health Organization, children need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for their optimal health and development. At CIS Freetown, we take this recommendation seriously, blending physical education with a holistic learning approach that nurtures students physically, mentally, and emotionally.

This blend of academics, physical education, and global language training—alongside a commitment to inclusivity—places CIS Freetown in a unique position to enhance the student development experience. Through strategic programs and facilities, CIS empowers students to thrive in every aspect of their lives, offering not only a superior education but a comprehensive development journey.

The Role of Physical Activities in Holistic Development

Physical activity is more than just a way to keep students healthy. Research shows that students who engage in regular physical activity tend to perform better academically, demonstrate improved social skills, and exhibit greater emotional resilience. At CIS Freetown, we recognize that physical activities play a pivotal role in shaping our students’ overall development, contributing to their cognitive abilities, social competence, and mental well-being.

Physical education at CIS is not just about traditional sports. It’s about movement, coordination, and building lifelong habits of wellness. These elements support key brain functions related to learning. Numerous studies highlight that physical exercise enhances memory, attention, and processing speed—all of which are integral for academic success. By integrating physical activities into daily schedules, CIS provides students with more than just an education; we offer the tools they need to develop into well-rounded individuals.

Diverse and Inclusive Physical Education Programs

At CIS, we emphasize inclusivity in everything we do. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all students, including those with physical challenges, can fully participate in physical activities. Smooth pathways for wheelchairs, specially designed bathrooms, and playgrounds are part of our commitment to making physical education accessible for every child.

We also offer counseling for students with mild ADHD, helping them channel their energy through structured physical activities. Studies have shown that physical exercise can help children with ADHD improve their focus, reduce impulsivity, and build social relationships. Our programs are tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of each student, ensuring that every child benefits from physical education, regardless of their abilities.

Preparing for the Future: Phase 2 Development

Currently, CIS offers Phase 1, covering Pre-primary to Grade 6. As we look ahead to Phase 2, which will expand our school to Grades 7-9 by September 2025, we are excited to introduce more advanced physical education programs that will challenge older students in more complex ways. Our focus will expand to include team sports, competitive events, and leadership-building activities that will encourage middle school students to collaborate, strategize, and develop critical thinking skills. This approach aligns with our mission to provide global-level education in English, Math, and Science, as well as our vision to nurture every student’s full potential—intellectually, physically, and emotionally.

Language Learning, Music, and the Body-Mind Connection

At CIS, we believe in the body-mind connection and its role in enhancing student learning. Physical activities stimulate brain development, which positively impacts language acquisition. That’s why, alongside a rich physical education program, we teach French as a second language to students aged 3 to 6 years, and offer additional language options such as Arabic, Hindi, and German for older students. This global language training helps students connect with the world while building cognitive flexibility, creativity, and cultural awareness.

But the development doesn’t stop with academics and sports. Our music classes, including training in the recorder, are integrated into the curriculum to complement physical education. Studies show that music, much like physical exercise, enhances brain development, improving children’s attention, memory, and reasoning skills. By offering both music and physical education, CIS provides a balanced, well-rounded approach to education that encourages both cognitive and physical development.

Eco-Friendly and Future-Forward

CIS is also proud to be a green school, running entirely on solar energy. By integrating environmental consciousness into our daily operations, we teach students the value of sustainability from a young age. Physical activities often take place in our two well-maintained playgrounds, where students can engage in eco-friendly outdoor activities, further connecting with nature and the environment. Our playgrounds are designed to be both fun and educational, fostering teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a natural, green setting.

Moreover, our ban on plastic ensures that students are not only learning in a clean environment but are also being trained to be responsible global citizens who are aware of their environmental impact. This eco-conscious approach is an essential part of the holistic education that we offer at CIS.

Expert Opinions and Global Trends in Physical Education

Leading educational experts emphasize the importance of integrating physical activities with academics. Dr. John Ratey, a renowned psychiatrist and author of the book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, highlights that physical exercise is the single most powerful tool we have to optimize brain function. His research supports CIS Freetown’s philosophy that physical activity is crucial for students’ intellectual and emotional growth.

Moreover, with the growing awareness around mental health in children, schools worldwide are increasingly prioritizing physical education as a means to combat anxiety, stress, and depression. At CIS, we have always been ahead of the curve, integrating physical education and mental health counseling as part of our broader commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of our students.

A Global School with a Local Impact

Our school is as diverse as our programs. CIS is proud to welcome students from various countries, creating a multicultural environment where different perspectives are celebrated. This diversity extends beyond the classroom into the playground, where students from different backgrounds bond over shared physical activities. Whether running, playing soccer, or engaging in teamwork-based physical challenges, our students learn valuable life skills like communication, empathy, and leadership—all while having fun.

CIS Freetown’s unique international teaching faculty brings global expertise to the local community, ensuring that our physical education programs are aligned with international standards. Our teachers understand that students need more than academic excellence to succeed in the 21st century—they need physical health, emotional resilience, and strong social skills. And that’s exactly what CIS provides through our inclusive, forward-thinking, and eco-conscious physical education programs.

Conclusion

At CIS Freetown, physical activities are not just a supplementary part of the school day—they are integral to our mission of developing well-rounded, successful students. With our unique blend of global academic standards, inclusive physical education programs, and eco-conscious practices, we offer a one-of-a-kind environment where every child can thrive. As we look forward to expanding our offerings with Phase 2 in 2025, CIS will continue to lead the way in combining academic excellence with the physical, emotional, and social development of our students. Physical activities at CIS Freetown aren’t just about moving; they are about moving minds, hearts, and futures.