How Sport Improves Your Child’s School Results

With selective exams and NAPLAN on the horizon, it feels almost responsible to trade the sport session for another hour of tutoring - and many parents do exactly that. But the science suggests it is the wrong trade. In 'Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain', Harvard Medical School psychiatrist Dr John J. Ratey shows that physical activity does not steal time from learning - it optimises the brain for it. Far from holding your child back, the right amount of exercise can lift their results in the Selective Test, OC test and NAPLAN.

How Sport Enhances Academic Success

In NSW, many parents focus heavily on tutoring to help their children excel in selective exams and NAPLAN. However, Harvard Medical School psychiatrist Dr John J. Ratey’s book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain shows that exercise is a powerful tool for enhancing academic performance. Rather than detracting from study time, physical activity actually optimises brain function and learning capacity.

The Naperville Case Study: Proof in Practice

Naperville Central High School in Illinois implemented a “Zero Hour PE” program, where students engaged in 20 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise before their hardest classes. The outcome was remarkable:

• Ranked first worldwide in science in the 1999 TIMSS international test
• Placed sixth globally in mathematics

This case study highlights how prioritising fitness can directly lead to academic excellence.

The Science Behind Exercise and Brain Power

Exercise triggers the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which Dr Ratey calls “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” BDNF:

• Supports neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and grow
• Stimulates the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory centre
• Strengthens neural connections essential for learning, memory, and problem-solving

This explains why children who are physically active often learn faster and retain information better.

Timing Your Child’s Exercise for Maximum Learning

The timing of exercise is crucial. Dr Ratey’s research shows that the best time to study is immediately after aerobic activity when the brain is flooded with neurotransmitters like BDNF, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These chemicals:

• Enhance focus
• Elevate mood
• Prime the brain to absorb new information effectively

A 20 to 30-minute run, swim, or intense sport session before study or practice tests can significantly improve learning outcomes.

Four Cognitive Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Regular aerobic exercise improves key cognitive functions essential for exam success, including:

• Attention span and processing speed: Helps quickly understand reading passages and exam questions.
• Working memory: Supports holding information while solving complex problems.
• Executive functions: Improves planning, decision-making, and self-control during exams.
• Focus: Minimises distractions and mind-wandering under timed conditions.

Exercise as a Natural Stress Reliever

High-pressure exams like the OC Test and Selective High School placement test can cause anxiety. Exercise naturally reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and strengthens the brain’s resilience to stress. Regular physical activity helps children stay calm and focused during exams.

Australian Research Supports the Benefits of Sport

A 2024 University of Sydney study confirms that Australian children who consistently participate in sport achieve better academic results. Benefits observed include:

• Lower absenteeism
• Improved attention and working memory
• Higher HSC scores

This evidence reinforces that cutting sport for extra study time may actually harm long-term academic success.

Practical Tips for NSW Parents

To harness the benefits of exercise for your child’s learning, consider these strategies:

• Schedule pre-study workouts: Encourage 20–30 minutes of aerobic exercise before study sessions or practice tests.
• Keep school sport commitments: Avoid pulling your child out of sports or swimming lessons for extra tutoring.
• Incorporate morning exercise: Activities like walking or biking to school can boost brain readiness for the day.
• Use short bursts of movement: Even 9 minutes of classroom-appropriate exercise can improve test performance.

Conclusion

The connection between physical activity and academic success is clear. Exercise is not a distraction but a vital foundation for effective learning. To improve your child’s Selective Test, OC Test, or NAPLAN results, ensure they stay active alongside their study routine.

At TestMagic, we support a balanced approach to exam preparation. Combine our expert online practice tests with a healthy, active lifestyle to give your child the best chance to succeed.

Ready to boost your child’s exam performance? Try TestMagic’s online practice tests for the Selective Test, OC test, and NAPLAN today and watch their confidence and results soar!

In this series

• How Movement Shapes Your Child's Mind
• Why Movement Breaks Help Your Child Learn