A whole school approach promoting health enhancing physical activity

Background it is evident that school can promote leisure time physical activity through the PE lesson, integration of PA in other school disciplines and improvement of school structures. Literature suggests that a whole school approach is needed in order to effectively promote children and adolescents’ physical activity. However, so far there is only limited evidence on how this whole school approach should be organised and transferred to school authorities, teachers and students to effectively promote PA. Objectives The project objectives are:1. Identify the most effective educational materials available, related to health-enhancing physical activity2. Develop, through co-production, an educational resource to be used by teachers, academics and educational authorities 3. Translate the educational resource in 7 languages 4. Provide teachers and relevant stakeholders with evidence, practical examples and educational resource for the promotion of HEPA. Implementation The project developed a six session educational resource covering the 4 GAPPA dimensions, the theory about a whole-systems approach and interdisciplinary teaching. The educational resource was evaluated by the partner and indicated promising results and important insights about its implementation. The partners performed multiplier events and presented the HEPA resource to educators and stakeholders. A policy recommendations report identifying best practices in promoting HEPA was produced. Achievements The HEPA project provided an important educational resource for school teachers and stakeholders to implement WHO GAPPA objectives and boost students' physical activity through a whole-school approach. The implementation of HEPA resources can facilitate the creation of a school environment which enables students to flourish through engaging in physical activity. Beyond this, clear recommendations have been made for how to increase HEPA in schools and establish a conducive school environment.