Meaningful participation in physical activity can only occur when students feel safe, included, respected, and represented. However, for many Newcomer students, school-based physical activity experiences—including physical education classes, intramurals, and other school-based programming—remain spaces where significant barriers persist.
Newcomer students, particularly those from equity-deserving backgrounds, continue to report challenges that limit both their access to and desire to engage in physical activity at school. These barriers are often rooted in cultural differences, language barriers, unfamiliarity with Western-normative systems, and experiences of exclusion or marginalization. When left unaddressed, these challenges can contribute to disengagement, reduced sense of belonging, and missed opportunities for physical, social, and emotional well-being.
The Guidebook outlines four types of barriers that impact Newcomer students and how to address them:
Interpersonal Barriers
- Set clear expectations – together
- Allow friend requests for classes and activities
Intrapersonal Barriers
- Implement non-Western physical activity experiences
- Avoid making assumptions about everyone’s level of knowledge about rules relates to an activity
• Simplify and translate materials
Sociocultural Barriers
- Offer physical activity experiences that allow students to connect with nature
- Expand your conceptualization of health to encompass a wide range of cultures
Structural Barriers
- Include recreational experiences in programming
- Provide different levels of options for play
- Offer alternative activities
By engaging with this resource, educators can play a meaningful role in removing barriers, fostering belonging, and ensuring that physical activity becomes a powerful pathway to inclusion, well-being, and connection for all students.
Resources to Help You Support Newcomer Inclusion
To learn more about how you can support the inclusion of Newcomer students in school-based physical activity experiences, download our Guidebook for Educators: Newcomer Inclusion in Physical Activity Guidebook for free.
PHE Canada’s Heart Zone Project
Watch a video from PHE Canada’s Heart Zone project that utilizes a student-centered learning approach to creating inclusive school-based physical activity and leadership experiences for Newcomer students.
Funding Partners
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