The The Benefits of Physical Activity on Academic Attainment
Research shows that physically active pupils perform at least as well as, and often better than, their less active peers- particularly in mathematics and reading (Rasberry et al., 2011; Álvarez-Bueno et al., 2017).
Leading Jakarta British school, The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ), explains why movement is far more than a break from lessons—it is a catalyst for stronger focus, better behaviour, and higher achievement. Drawing on global research and classroom experience, ISJ highlights how purposeful physical activity supports memory, attention, and motivation, helping pupils learn more effectively across every subject.
How Movement Supports Learning
After brief movement, pupils typically settle more quickly, listen more attentively, and stay on task for longer. Over time, regular activity supports memory, attention, and self-regulation skills that help pupils follow instructions, solve problems, and persist with challenging work (Hillman, Erickson, & Kramer, 2008; Donnelly et al., 2016).
In simple terms, being active prepares the brain to learn—a principle central to British curriculum schools in Jakarta and other high-performing international schools.
No Loss to Core Subjects
A common concern is that time devoted to PE reduces time for English or mathematics. Evidence from school-based reviews does not support this view. Increasing opportunities to be active either has no negative effect on attainment or produces small, positive gains (Rasberry et al., 2011; Singh et al., 2012).
Protecting PE is therefore not “lost learning time”; it helps make remaining lesson time more effective and focused.
Benefits Across the Curriculum
Mathematics and reading: Meta-analytic findings show small but meaningful improvements in attainment when pupils are regularly active (Álvarez-Bueno et al., 2017).
Attention and behaviour: Short movement breaks and physically active lessons are associated with improved focus and on-task behaviour (Donnelly et al., 2016).
Confidence and wellbeing: High-quality PE builds competence and motivation, encouraging active habits that support health and readiness to learn (World Health Organization, 2020).
These findings reinforce the value of maintaining active learning approaches across subjects in international schools in Jakarta.
Developing Wider Life Skills Through PE
High-quality PE also builds the personal and social skills that help pupils thrive across school and beyond. Regular chances to lead warm-ups, captain teams, or officiate games develop leadership, confidence, and fair decision-making.
Paired and small-group activities strengthen communication and active listening. Team challenges foster collaboration and respect, while the natural ups and downs of sport build resilience and a constructive response to feedback. Creative tasks in dance and gymnastics nurture imagination and confidence, while inclusive practices such as differentiated roles and adapted rules promote empathy and ensure every pupil contributes meaningfully.
Practical routines around equipment, safety, and timekeeping build organisation, responsibility, and health literacy. Together, these capabilities enhance classroom learning and prepare pupils for successful participation in school life and beyond (Donnelly et al., 2016; WHO, 2020).
What This Means for Our School
At The Independent School of Jakarta, we take a whole-school approach that treats movement as an integral part of effective teaching and learning.
High-quality PE every week: Well-planned lessons develop fundamental movement skills, fitness, and confidence for all pupils (WHO, 2020).
Active classrooms: Short (2–10 minute) movement breaks and active learning tasks—such as practising vocabulary or number facts while moving—help sustain engagement (Donnelly et al., 2016).
Activity beyond PE: We promote active playtimes, active travel where feasible, and inclusive clubs so that every pupil can find an enjoyable way to be active.
This approach reflects the British international education ethos of developing the whole child—mind and body.
A Clear Message for Families
If your child describes movement breaks in English or physically active tasks in mathematics, this is not time away from learning; it is part of how we help pupils concentrate and make progress.
On busy days, please continue to prioritise appropriate footwear, water bottles, and readiness for PE. Your support helps us keep pupils active, healthy, and ready to succeed.
The Bottom Line
Physical activity should not be reduced in favour of additional desk time. It improves focus, behaviour, and confidence and is linked with measurable gains in attainment—especially in mathematics and reading—without any academic penalty (Rasberry et al., 2011; Álvarez-Bueno et al., 2017).
Keeping pupils active is a practical, evidence-informed way to help them learn well and feel well, central to the holistic approach of British international schools in Jakarta.
The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ) is Jakarta's leading British international school for children aged 2–13, delivering the gold-standard English National Curriculum. Driven by our hand-picked teachers from top UK independent schools, our pupils consistently achieve remarkably high academic results.
To learn more about how The Independent School of Jakarta combines academic excellence with an active, balanced approach to education, visit book a private tour.