Northern Ireland

Pupil event highlights physical, mental and social wellbeing

A-LEVEL pupils are to examine the benefits of sleep and nutrition on mental and physical health as part of a special project.

A group from St Malachy's College in Belfast, who are working towards sports science qualifications, is staging a wellbeing week.

The course is designed to help students prepare for employment by giving them the opportunity to develop essential workplace business skills.

Young people develop an understanding of sports science and the active leisure industry.

Leisure is among the fastest growing industries in the world, with gym and indoor sports facility use becoming a way of life.

The pupils from St Malachy's College are working towards sports science A-levels
The pupils from St Malachy's College are working towards sports science A-levels The pupils from St Malachy's College are working towards sports science A-levels

The A-level introduces pupils to concepts in health, fitness and lifestyle and explores the relationships between them.

They study nutrition for health and exercise as well as components of fitness. They also analyse the health of people in the north compared to other places in Europe.

Part of the course focusses on event management in the active leisure industry. Pupils are required to produce a portfolio showing written evidence of planning and evaluation of an event.

The sixth formers at St Malachy's aim to highlight the three types of wellbeing - physical, mental and social - and seek to improve them through the introduction of physical activity.

They will also look at how sleep and nutrition can have an impact on mental and physical health. Poor mental and physical health, the group said, was costing lives.

The event, which will run over three days at the school this month and involve pupils in Years 8-10, aims to increase awareness and let people know the positive steps they can take to manage their wellbeing.

The A-level course is designed to help young people develop an understanding of sports science and active leisure industry
The A-level course is designed to help young people develop an understanding of sports science and active leisure industry The A-level course is designed to help young people develop an understanding of sports science and active leisure industry

Each day will be split into two parts - a physical activity session followed by a wellbeing workshop.

The activity sessions will be taken by `Fitness Freddy' and Eoin McCabe from the EMC Performance Academy. The A-level pupils will then deliver presentations to the Year 8-10 children followed by activities that encourage them to put their knowledge into practice.

It is hoped about 450 pupils will benefit.