University of Tartu contribution to society award went to Move Lab

On the initiative of the University of Tartu Move Lab, a new physical education syllabus was created and implemented in Estonian schools at the beginning of this school year. Last year, the first upper secondary schools were also involved in the Schools in Motion programme, which has already been introduced in more than 200 schools.

The foundations for a wholesome life are laid in childhood when young people acquire the basic knowledge and skills to make healthy choices as adults. Children spend a large part of their days at school, so it is essential that they get enough physical activity during the school day to cover the bare minimum. “The University of Tartu Move Lab has made a significant contribution to ensuring that our children grow up to be health-conscious and active adults,” said Academic Secretary Tõnis Karki on behalf of the evaluation committee.

The Move Lab-led educational programme Schools in Motion helps create a school culture where physical activity is a natural part of every school day. According to the Head of the Move Lab and Associate Professor in Health Education Merike Kull, more physical activity can be added to the school day through walking and cycling to school, active breaks and lessons at school, elective courses, recreational activities and creating an environment that invites to physical activity. “While our activities have been aimed mainly at basic schools so far, we are now starting to cooperate with state gymnasiums. It is a pleasure to see that schools are very interested in joining the programme,” said Kull.

The new syllabus helps raise health-conscious young people

Modernising the physical education syllabus for schools is an important innovation in supporting young people’s physical activity. The physical education syllabus, developed on the initiative of the Move Lab and introduced in schools as of this school year, aims to raise young people who get from the school a positive attitude towards physical activity, the motivation to exercise independently, the knowledge and skills to develop their physical abilities, and what exercise methods are suitable for them and how to support their health and physical development in the future. Besides developing a wide range of physical skills and abilities, the new syllabus also focuses on mental and physical balance and the links between physical activity and culture.

Lessons based on the syllabus started in the first year of each school level from autumn 2024 and continue over the next two years. The leader of developing the new syllabus, Lecturer of Didactics of Physical Education Maret Pihu, is very grateful to the schools and teachers who have been actively and knowledgeably implementing the new syllabus and sharing feedback from pupils. “18 teachers have also completed a training course to become trainers of this programme and are ready to share their knowledge and experience with others across Estonia. In the future, it will certainly be important to monitor how schools are doing in implementing the syllabus, what they need to follow it at a high standard, and how students perceive the change,” said Pihu.

Move Lab brings together experts from sports to communication

The contribution to society award goes to members of the Move Lab and the working group of the Schools in Motion programme: Associate Professor in Health Education and Head of the Lab Merike Kull, Specialists Maarja Park and Reelika Kiivit, Research Fellow in Movement Studies Katrin Mägi, Research Fellow in Kinanthropometry Evelin Mäestu, Lecturer of Didactics of Physical Education Maret Pihu, Specialist in Training Kadi Rutens, Coordinator Karmen Moont, Professor in Functional Morphology Priit Kaasik, Associate Professor of Social Innovation Marko Uibu, and Professor of Communication Studies Triin Vihalemm.

The University of Tartu contribution to society award is given to recognise a university member or working group who has had a significant impact on the development of society in the previous year. This year’s recipient of the contribution to society award was selected from among ten nominees.

For suggestions and additional materials on bringing more physical activity to school and work day, see the Schools in Motion programme website.

Follow the Move Lab’s activities on their Facebook page.

Read the new syllabus and supporting materials on liikumisopetus.ee.