Wellbeing in motion: Why sport is key at Champittet

At Collège Champittet, we believe that student wellbeing is the foundation for success. For students to achieve their best academically, they need to feel supported to excel – and that includes learning in an environment that supports mental and physical wellbeing.

How exercise boosts student learning and achievement

Many of us know that exercise is a must for physical health – but what we may not realise is how important exercise is for our mental health as well. Physical activity – or a lack of it – has a huge influence on our cognitive abilities.

According to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity not only protects children’s health but also improves their academic achievement. The WHO recommends that young people engage in at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Moving helps children develop cognitive, motor and social skills – making outdoor learning experiences, like our Forest School, a great alternative to sitting indoors.

Many studies have also shown that students who exercise regularly perform better than their sedentary peers. Research has found noticeable improvements in reading and math test scores among active teens, since physical activity supports improved executive functioning, concentration and memory.

Getting students into the sporting spirit at Champittet

We encourage our students of all ages to develop a love of sport. In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, physical activity can relieve stress and improve our mood – and when we’re doing it as part of a community, it’s also an opportunity to bond together as a team.

For example, the Lausanne 20KM has become a beloved annual running event among our Champittet community. This year, more than 560 students, staff and parents took part in the race to show their solidarity, as we ran for a cause close to our heart: in memory of the Champittet students and former students who lost their lives in the Crans-Montana tragedy.

We’re also looking forward to the next highlights on our sports calendar, with Cross ADISK on May 6th and Sports Day on May 12th. All year long, Champittet students enjoy plenty of opportunities to stay active – from our on‑campus fitness room and outdoor workout area to extracurricular yoga, dance and sports teams, as well as football, volleyball and basketball tournaments and a wide range of holiday sports clubs and camps. There truly is something for everyone – and every reason to keep moving!