The Active School Flag Post Primary (ASFPP) process promotes physical activity, using a whole school approach, anchored by student voice and student leadership.  

Whole-School Approach

ASFPP focuses on finding ways to increase the range, variety and frequency of physical activity opportunities, for students and staff, throughout the school day.

Whole-School Student Surveys

Whole-school student voice surveys take place every September, facilitated during school time.

Target completion rates are set (50–70%) to ensure maximum reach.

Whole-School Physical Activity Events

Physical activity events and initiatives are designed on a whole- school basis, involving all year groups from 1st–6th year. Staff participation is also encouraged.

Actions to Decrease Sedentary Time

Schools are challenged to find ways to decrease sedentary time for all students and staff. The integration of physical activity with teaching and learning is encouraged and supported.

Student Voice

The ASF team consulted with Hub na nÓg during the design phase to ensure the process adheres to the four pillars of the Lundy Model of Participation.

Space

Whole-school student surveys are administered every September, during school time. Purpose and usage of data is explained to students.

Influence

ASFPP data provides programme and policy makers with a valuable insight into the thoughts, behaviours and motivations of young people.

Voice
Target completion rates are set to ensure the full breadth of student voice is captured across all year groups, including difficult to reach populations.

Audience
Students present findings to school leaders and Local Sports Partnerships with a view to agreeing actions and generating support for their
implementation.

Student Survey Questions

Every school receives an individualised report of their student data. The information is presented graphically, in a student-friendly way, including analysis and action planning prompts. The ASFPP ePortfolio guides student work.

Physical Activity Behaviours

  • Physical activity levels (MVPA, strength training, steps)
  • Participation in school-based activities
  • Participation in community-based activities
  • Active travel

Ideas, Suggestions, and Feedback

  • Feedback about PA barriers and facilitators
  • Ideas to increase engagement in school-based activities
  • Ideas to increase engagement in community-based activities
  • Whole-school physical activity event preferences

Student Leadership

A timetabled TY class are tasked with planning, promoting and implementing activities and events in their school.
Student Leadership Actions are set across 4 areas to guide their work throughout the year.

  • Actions to decrease sedentary time
  • Student Voice
  • Physical Activity Initiatives
  • Communications Campaigns

Senior Cycle Key Competencies

Students in the TY class develop senior cycle key competencies, through the work they undertake across the year.

Information Processing

Critical and Creative Thinking

Communicating

Working with Others

Being Personally Effective

TY Leadership Class

ASF provided a platform for peer leaders to develop a variety of transferable skills applicable in the future and positively influenced peer leaders’ physical, social, and mental health.

McNally, K. (2025) Investigating the Influence of the Active School Flag on Adolescent Peer Leaders: A Mixed Methods Study (MSc thesis). University of Limerick.

Introduction

Tell me more

See it in Action

Accreditation Process

Recruitment