With screen time on the rise and physical activity on the decline, schools play a crucial role in keeping kids active. Gymnastics offers an engaging way to develop fundamental skills whilst making exercise fun and accessible for all students.
Gymnastics is more than just a sport, it’s the foundation of physical literacy, equipping children with the fundamental movement skills they need for a lifetime of health and activity. From balance and coordination to strength and flexibility, gymnastics helps students build essential motor skills that translate into all areas of physical education and sport.
That’s why schools across Australia are integrating gymnastics into their curriculums, recognising its role in developing confident, capable, and active students.
The Benefits of Gymnastics
- Develops Fundamental Movement Skills
Jumping, rolling, balancing, and landing safely; gymnastics teaches the essential movements that set students up for success in all physical activities.
- Improves Strength and Coordination
Through bodyweight exercises, gymnastics helps children develop muscular strength, flexibility, and coordination in a fun and engaging way.
- Boosts confidence and Body Awareness
Mastering new movements fosters self-confidence and encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, building resilience along the way.
- Supports Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Discipline, focus, and perseverance benefit students in and outside the classroom.
Real Success Stories
Many schools are already seeing the benefits of incorporating gymnastics into their programs. Fin, owner of Play On Sports Programs, runs mobile sports sessions in primary schools and believes gymnastics is an essential part of a child’s physical development:
“Gymnastics is the number one sport for developing basic fundamental movement skills. Apart from this, students benefit from increased confidence in themselves and the way their body moves.”
“Watching students timidly participate in Week 1 with low self confidence and then seeing them move without restriction highly confident in their abilities by week 10 is extremely rewarding. This confidence also translates into much happier students who are proud of what they can achieve.” - Fin, Play On.
Gymnastics Tasmania and Gymnastics Direct recently partnered to deliver gymnastics equipment to remote Tasmanian schools, supported by a grant from the Tasmanian Government.
Strahan Primary School, a recipient of this initiative, has seen first-hand the positive impact:
“Gymnastics is now a regular part of our school sessions and has provided a fantastic form of growth for all students, the benefits are endless,” said Hayley Clark, School Business Manager, Strahan Primary School."
HPE Teacher, Michael Serjeant also noticed its educational benefits:
“The equipment donated to our school was effective in helping students meet targeted learning indicators through a fun and engaging mode of delivery.”
The right equipment not only enhances skill development but also ensures a fun and engaging gymnastics experience. Schools looking to introduce or expand their gymnastics programs should focus on quality, safety, and durability.
Want to introduce gymnastics in to your curriculum? Find out what equipment makes the most impact here.
