‘Boring’ school grounds need updating, says health researcher

Australian schools need to update playgrounds and sports ovals to offer more interesting choices for physical exercise, according to a leading health and physical education academic.

Southern Cross University school of education researcher Brendon Hyndman says teachers change educational content to prevent boredom in the classroom and the same tactics should be applied to outdoor recreational areas.

Hyndman has published a book, Contemporary School Playground Strategies for Healthy Students, which outlines ways to provide more challenging opportunities for physical exercise.