The Effect of Increased Physical Activity on Adolescents' Health and Academic Performance: The School in Motion Study

"Physical education (60 minutes): In addition to the ordinary PE-lessons. The pedagogical activities taught in this lesson should be in line with the curriculum of 9th grade and led by the PE-teacher. In the Don't worry - be happy intervention this class was also organized by the students. The students practiced their Be Happy-activities, or they introduced their class peers to their Be Happy-activity. A PE-teacher was present to support the students if necessary."

The curriculum of the subjects (i.e. maths, English, Norwegian) were taught in a physically active manner. The lesson should last 30 minutes and be led by the teacher of the current subject.

"Without a connection to any specific subject Physical activity should be performed as 30 minutes a week. There are no specific aims to be taught in this lesson, but physical activities that stimulates mastery, joy and well-being should be in focus."

The Be Happy classes were self-organized activity groups of at least three students, developed according to activity preferences across regular classes. The Be Happy groups practiced traditional sports and physical activities, lifestyle sports, dancing, out-door recreation, drama etc. - inside or outside school.