Engaging all students in Physical Education can be a challenge — particularly those who don’t naturally enjoy sport.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “how do I engage less sporty students in PE?”, you’re not alone.
For many schools, increasing participation, confidence and enjoyment in PE — especially among less active students — is a key priority. Traditional approaches don’t always reach every learner, but with the right strategy, PE can become more inclusive, engaging and impactful.
Why Some Students Disengage from PE
Not every student thrives in a traditional PE environment.
Competitive team sports and performance-focused lessons can sometimes lead to:
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- Fear of judgement or failure
- Reduced participation
- Negative attitudes towards physical activity
This doesn’t reflect a lack of ability — but rather a lack of connection.
To improve engagement in PE, students need opportunities to experience sport in a different way.
A Proven Way to Increase Participation in PE
One of the most effective strategies to engage less sporty students in PE is introducing them to new and non-traditional sports in a fresh environment.
School trips provide the perfect opportunity to do this.
By removing students from familiar settings and expectations, they can:
- Start on an equal footing with their peers
- Try new activities without pressure
- Build confidence through exploration
- Develop a more positive relationship with physical activity
Introducing Olympic Sports to Inspire Every Student
Our Paris Sports Trip is designed specifically to support inclusive PE and student engagement.
Students take part in four Olympic sports taster sessions, delivered by professional coaches:
- Athletics
- Judo
- Fencing
- Handball
These sessions focus on:
- Participation over competition
- Skill-building in a supportive environment
- Encouraging all ability levels
For many students, this is the first time they discover a sport they genuinely enjoy.
Why This Approach Works for Less Active Students
When students try something new, the pressure often disappears.
They’re no longer comparing themselves to others — they’re simply learning.
This helps:
- Build confidence in less sporty students
- Increase willingness to participate in PE
- Reduce anxiety around physical activity
- Create positive experiences linked to sport
This is key to long-term engagement in PE.
A Balanced School Trip That Engages Every Student
To maximise engagement, the trip also includes a range of cultural and educational experiences:
- Stade de France Stadium Tour
- River Seine Boat Cruise
- Eiffel Tower Upper Floor Entry
- Paris 2024 Olympic Legacy Venue Tour*
This balance ensures:
- Broader appeal across different student interests
- Increased engagement from less sporty students
- A well-rounded educational experience
The Impact on PE Back in School
The benefits don’t stop when the trip ends.
Schools often see:
- Improved participation in PE lessons
- Increased confidence among less active students
- Greater openness to trying new sports
- Stronger group cohesion and teamwork
For many students, it can completely change how they feel about PE.
Supporting Inclusive PE Through School Trips
If your goal is to:
- Engage less sporty students in PE
- Increase participation and confidence
- Create a more inclusive PE environment
Then introducing new experiences beyond the classroom can make a measurable difference.
Plan Your Paris Sports Trip
Our Paris Sports Trip combines Olympic sports, expert coaching and cultural experiences to create a programme that works for every student — not just the sporty ones.
