When we think about our greatest assets, money, relationships and hard work often spring to mind. Yet the most valuable asset of all, the one that allows us to enjoy everything else, is our health. And health doesn’t just happen by chance; it’s shaped by the choices we make each day, beginning with how we move.
At school, physical activity is often associated with Physical Education (PE) and Sport. But movement reaches far beyond PE lessons or competitive fixtures. It is the foundation of independence, confidence and wellbeing – not just for today, but for decades to come. If we don’t use our bodies, we lose their capabilities; if we don’t use them correctly, we risk injury, discomfort and health challenges later in life.
That’s why Bangkok Patana is committed to building movement literacy from the very beginning of a student’s journey. In Primary PE, movement science has been embedded into lessons so that children not only play and compete but also begin to understand how their bodies work. This reflects the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, which emphasises fundamental movement skills and physical literacy as the foundation for both athletic performance and lifelong participation, rather than early specialisation. Physical literacy itself is about competence, confidence, motivation, knowledge and understanding for physical activity, and is increasingly recognised as essential for lifelong health and well-being. In practice, this means teaching children not just how to play, but how to move well and understand their bodies. Gamified challenges ensure learning is fun, while community-focused initiatives help every child see movement as something to be enjoyed for life.
Our partnership with Imprimus Performance brings this vision to life. Together, we have developed an ECA programme built around six fundamental movement patterns: squat, hinge, push, pull, core and locomotion. These skills form the foundation for both sport and daily life, with termly programming carefully structured to prevent overload and instead promote long-term health. Secondary students can join morning training sessions twice a week with the Imprimus team, where they apply these movement patterns to the seasonal and academy sports they are preparing for, ultimately enhancing performance. In addition, students from Year 3 to Year 9 can take part in Imprimus Ignite: Strong Foundations for Young Athletes, a Friday ECA that will continue to run throughout the academic year.
What makes this approach effective is the way it’s been built together. Collaborative professional learning with PE, Sport and Academy staff ensures consistency across the school. Parent seminars and PTG classes bring families into the conversation, reinforcing healthy habits at home. Most importantly, we build trust with our student-athletes, showing genuine care, offering personalised feedback and supporting them through challenges, from injuries to exams.
There is also an important cultural shift happening. Strength and conditioning is no longer about preparing only elite athletes, instead it is about giving every child the confidence to move well, whatever their interests. By setting high standards in coaching, while still making sessions engaging and inclusive, we are breaking down barriers and helping students see that longevity in health is something they can all achieve.
The future is about widening these opportunities further. By sharing case studies, continuing to adjust programmes around the demands of school life, and listening closely to the needs of students and families, we aim to create a movement culture that lasts long after school days are over. The emerging evidence is clear, this approach not only enhances performance but also boosts self-esteem, motivation and exercise habits that carry into adulthood.
Our aim is simple. To help every child control their movement, move well, and eventually move with speed. In doing so, we are setting them up not just for their next match, but for a lifetime of health and longevity.