Exercise is often the last thing on the mind of secondary students as they approach HSC studies and exams, but the introduction of a workout routine into the classroom is encouraging a rethink. 

The ‘Burn 2 Learn’ (B2L) program utilises the science of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to improve student health, fitness, wellbeing and academic performance, using short but effective workouts.

Formulated by the University of Newcastle and delivered by the NSW Department of Education, the program has already been established in more than 500 schools.

Program trainers from the Department of Education’s School Sport Unit, Rochelle O’Connor and Michael Kirwan spent two days at Baradine Central School recently demonstrating the benefits of the project to teachers and students.  

“Burn 2 Learn involves working with school students to help improve not just their physical health, but also their cognitive and mental health,” Rochelle said. 

“Students engage in two to three HIIT sessions each week with sessions lasting just ten minutes, resulting in minimal disruption of scheduled classes. 

“Research shows HIIT can improve fitness and health as much as endurance training, but in a fraction of the time and that regular participation can improve short-term memory, focus and concentration and multi-tasking skills.”

Rochelle says that to satisfy the needs of time-poor students Burn 2 Learn focuses on the delivery of HIIT interspersed with short rest periods.

“We now know that if we do ten minutes of really high intensity exercise, so that we are huffing and puffing, just two or three times a week it will have a significant impact on physical fitness and it does not take long,” Rochelle added.  

“When students get into the senior years, obviously studying comes first, as it should, but sometimes physical activity can drop off. We are encouraging students to stay physically active during their senior years because, not only is it a great way to improve health, but also manage stress levels.”

School Sport Unit Premier’s Sporting Challenge Advisor, Michael has had extensive experience working on the benefits of physical activity for learning. 

“Summarising, better health increases energy and improves performance,” Michael said. “It’s a good deal because you only have to do 2 - 3 10-minute HIIT sessions each week to gain all the benefits.

Active

“Burn 2 Learn is a research informed approach to help schools develop different strategies to improve student attainment and attitudes as well as their physical health and emotional wellbeing. This physically active learning approach is delivered across all subjects and strives to get the children off their seats, not only as a way to raise achievement but improve their health, communication and leadership skills.”

ABOVE: Baradine Central School secondary students took part in a Burn 2 Learn HIIT session. 

An early career in physical education teaching sparked Newcastle University Research Fellow, Professor David Lubans commitment to his passion - the design, evaluation and dissemination of successful school-based physical activity interventions.  

He has been a chief investigator on more than 40 school-based physical activity interventions that have benefited large numbers of children and adolescents in Australia and abroad.

“The fact that the students are enjoying themselves was a result from David Lubans initial randomised control trial,” said Rochelle.  

“He talks about increased vitality and positivity after students take part in a HIIT session."

"We found that students often come into the session and just slump in their seats, but as soon as they get up and moving, they are smiling; they are engaged. We know that sport is social and this is a great new way to get physically active with friends and reap the benefits.”