The impact of extracurricular physical activity on children’s academic performance in primary schools in Malta

Abstract

The study inves0gated the relationship between extracurricular physical activity and academic performance among primary school children in Malta. It explored whether activity after school hours influenced academic outcomes, and if individual or team-based activities had different effects. It also explored parents’ perspectives on the benefits and challenges of supporting such participation. A quantitative approach was adopted, with questionnaires distributed to parents of children in Years 5 to 7, to gather data from the previous scholastic year (i.e., Years 4 to 6) across selected state and church schools. Academic performance was measured using end-of year marks, while physical activity was assessed by frequency, duration, and type. Qualitative comments from parents offered additional insight into beliefs and experiences. Findings revealed a weak but significant positive correlation between hours of extracurricular physical ac0vity and academic performance. However, no significant differences were found based on participation status, as tested using multivariate analysis. Similarly, no significant differences were found based on activity type, but parental responses highlighted broader benefits, including improved focus, emo0onal well-being, and social development. Common challenges included time, commuting, and work commitments. Despite this, strong parental support emerged for integrating extracurricular physical ac0vity into the school curriculum, echoing international policy recommenda0ons by WHO and UNESCO. This research contributes to the limited body of literature on the educational impact of extracurricular physical activity in the Maltese context. It suggests that regular participation in such activities may support academic and personal development, particularly when facilitated by both schools and families. Recommendations are offered for schools, families and policymakers, with calls for further research using broader and longitudinal approaches.