Immersive virtual reality games are helping to encourage pupils at a school in Moray to be more physically active.
Gamer2Mover, currently being trialled at Milne’s High School in Fochabers, involves S1-S6 pupils taking part in energetic VR games before moving on to a real-life sports session.
Delivered through a partnership between Active Schools and Moray Council’s Youth Work team, the programme has seen young people try out a range of movement-based games, including Job Simulator, The Climb and Space Pirate Trainer, using an Oculus VR headset. The sessions then continue with sports and games such as golf, nerf wars, archery and dodge ball.
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, chair of Moray Council’s community planning board, said: “Projects like Gamer2Mover are exactly what Active Moray is about – finding innovative, inclusive ways to help people of all ages build physical activity into their everyday lives. I’m pleased to hear how successful it is proving to be and hope to see it running elsewhere in Moray in the future.”
Head teacher Natalie Munro added: “Ultimately, it’s about encouraging people to get physically active in a different way – particularly those who might not normally take part in traditional sports. The virtual reality element helps to build confidence and break down barriers and when pupils are moving and having fun, they’re much more open to trying physical activity away from the headset. I’d also like to thank Lorna Young and Alison Smith from the Active Schools and Youth Work teams who have been running these sessions.”
S1 pupil Dylan Morrison said: “The VR is great, and it really encourages you to take part in the real-life games too. It’s a really good idea.”
It comes as Moray Council launches a consultation into a new strategy aimed at making physical activity and sport a key part of everyday life in Moray.
Active Moray involves a number of partners, including NHS Grampian, UHI Moray and sportscotland.