The Active Campus at North East Scotland College has seen the introduction of some new class activity & wellbeing sessions. By working directly with classes and academic tutor groups, they have been able to target a fairly large numbers of students at once, and bring activity into the classroom to promote the benefits of being active on student health, mental health, and overall social wellbeing.
This was introduced as the college were aware that student stress levels may typically be higher around this time of year, with approaching exams and course deadlines.
The activity chosen to introduce this new initiative was floor curling. It was decided on as the activity undertaken for a few reasons:
· It allowed them to utilise Curling equipment they already had on loan as part of an involvement with the “Curl 360 ASN” project.
· It is an inclusive activity with both seated and standing options, making it suitable for a range of mobility or fitness levels.
· There are numerous drills that can be delivered, adapted, and progressed very easily depending on the group and individual abilities and attention span,
· It can provide a friendly competition, but in a relaxed manner,
· Finally, because it requires no specific clothing.
“At this particular time of year when stress levels can be high, it’s important to help reinforce ways to look after your wellbeing, and the importance of still making time for enjoyable things and taking time out. I believe this is definitely something we’d like to keep developing at NESCol as part of our Active Campus programme” said the local Active Campus Coordinator, Faye Webster.
Making it happen
All sessions began with a welcome from the local Active Campus Coordinator, briefing on what the session would involve as well as an equipment demonstration.
Each of these sessions also ended with a discussion around the SAMH “5 Ways To Wellbeing” model. This additional element allowed students to deepen their understanding of different ways they can look after their own wellbeing. The hope was to introduce some students to the sports facilities, which some student had never been to before, or even knew existed. As well as to make a direct association to the important role physical activity can play in achieving multiple elements from the “5 Ways To Wellbeing” model.
The impact of these sessions were felt throughout the college, with computing lecturer Shuang Zhu saying;
"It was great to see students trying something completely new in a fun and relaxed environment. Activities like this are incredibly valuable, especially during the exam period when stress levels can be high. I’d love to see more of these kinds of sessions in the future!"
A sports placement student was also able to get involved in some sessions. At first, assisting the Faye, the Active Campus Coordinator, and then was given additional responsibility for planning and delivering all the practical content for the session.
There was visible enjoyment from those taking part, students appeared to enjoy learning and feeling successful at times, and competing with others in groups, and also competing against their class tutors.
“As a lecturer I was hopeful but dubious about how my students would react to the session - the change of routine, being out of their comfort zones and the physical activity but they really enjoyed it. Seeing my students relax and banter with each other, as well as me and Faye, was exactly what I was hoping for” said Ian Gordon, an Accounting lecturer.
