Children and Young People Case Study 2

A survey of Sport and Leisure Participation by 11-16 year olds in Wales

In 2007 Wavehill completed a classroom based survey of over 12,000 pupils in years 7-11 in maintained secondary schools across Wales. The study was conducted in all Welsh local authorities and examined:

• Participation levels of young people in secondary schools in Wales, both in and outside normal school hours

• Activities undertaken in timetabled PE, sport as part of extra-curricular activity and activity outside school, including club-based activity

• The factors that influence young people's participation in sport and physical activity

The project also included a qualitative 'case study' element which explored the barriers faced by a cross-section of young people to participating in exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle. Wavehill was able to approach this evaluation with an in-depth understanding of the Government's '5 Hour Children and Young People's Sports Offer' and those young people who are considered to be 'semi sporty'.

The issue for Wavehill was how to deliver a technical survey in a way that was engaging and fun for the pupils. We designed a unique 'lesson' that we delivered in the classrooms across Wales to explain and engage the concept of the survey and then deliver the questionnaire to the pupils once they had 'tuned in' to the subject. This strategy worked very well and shows that innovative approaches to problems are worth trying.

The results of the survey have been used to set policy at both the national levels and at local authority levels, and to assess the effectiveness of current initiatives to promote participation in exercise and healthy living.

Client: Sports Council Wales