Mission
To consolidate Sheffield Hallam University researchers' and teaching staff’s knowledge and expertise within the children and young people, physical activity, and sport arena, to proactively develop programmes and research, and translate knowledge through dissemination activities to key stakeholders and organisations working in this space to impact policy and practice.
Background
The CYPAS research group originated to consolidate Sheffield Hallam University researchers and teaching staff experience, expertise, and knowledge to advance our impact at the front line by strengthening collaborations, generating programmes and research, and improved dissemination activity. The CYPAS research group comprises expertise from psychology, behaviour change, public health (physical activity and obesity), health care, voluntary sector, physical education, and sport development, right through from early years to higher education.
Research Pillars
The CYPAS research group has four research pillars:
- Collaboration through bringing together researchers to consolidate and catalyse research, and build capacity for research, projects and bids.
- Conduct high quality research within CYP, PA, and Sport, which has a significant impact on policy, practice and life outcomes.
- Actively engage in impact generating activities with key local and national partners from policy and practice.
- Create a pipeline of opportunities for applied research and learning for Ug, MSc and PhD's
Impact
Members of the CYPAS research group strive to create impactful collaborations/networks, research, programmes, and teaching. CYPAS members have a track record of winning bids and grants due to their expertise, delivering programmes of work and high-quality research, and feeding this back into ‘the system’ through;
- the teaching of Sheffield Hallam University students
- academic and non-academic dissemination activity (e.g., conferences and journal publications)
- involvement in local and national strategic groups (e.g., PESSPA Alliance)
Impact Examples of work by CYPAS team
- Learn Sheffield: Gareth Jones led the development of the PESSPA Toolkit with strategic partner, Learn Sheffield.
- Hillsborough Pump Track: Dr Gareth Jones pioneered the development of an all-wheeled bike park in an area of health deprivation in Sheffield. The facility and programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people through inspiring and engaging greater participation in physical activity.
- Completion of a 3-year randomised controlled trial on Adventure Learning: Involving Outward Bound Trust and Commando Jo’s.
- Feasibility of study of YES Outdoors; a targeted London based intervention involving mentoring, rock climbing, bike maintenance and a trip to OBT.
Publications and reports
- Jones, G., Longbon, K., & Williams, S. (2022). Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of a whole school approach to physical activity in UK primary schools: A qualitative approach. BMC Public Health, 22, 2236. Read about it.
- Jones G. & Bugg, A. (2022). Integrating motivational interviewing with the Creating Active Schools framework: A pilot study. Report submitted to Yorkshire Sport Foundation.
- Jones, G. (2019). Investigating the impact of online classroom resources on pupil physical activity, wellbeing and behaviour. Report submitted to imoves.
- Willis, B., Reaney-Wood, S., Demack, S., Jay,T. and Harris-Evans, J. (2023). Adventure Learning – Evaluation Report. Educational Endowment Foundation. Read about it.
- Stiell, B., Willis, B., Clarkson, L., Rutgers, D., McCaig, C., Crossfield, J., & Behailu, A. (2023). School recovery strategies: Year 2 findings research report (January 2023). DFE-RR1318, DFE. Read about it.
Conference presentations
- Jones, G. (2023). Developing active schools. The Association for Science Education: Frontiers Conference.
- Jones, G. (2021). A whole-school approach to primary school physical activity: The PESSPA toolkit. International Society for Physical activity and Health (ISPAH).
- Jones, G. (2019). Investigating the impact of online classroom resources on pupil physical activity, wellbeing and behaviour. UCL Behaviour Change Conference.
- Jones, G. (2019). Poster presentation: Active learning and classrooms: Impact on pupil physical activity, wellbeing behaviour and teacher confidence, YoHPAKE conference, Huddersfield University.
- Willis, B., Reaney-Wood, S., and Jay, T. (2023) Adventure Learning interventions aimed at ‘disengaged’ and ‘underachieving’ secondary school students: a potential catalyst towards student engagement. British Educational Research Association. [September 2023)
Awards
- GTA SHU PhD application, 2023. To investigate the facilitators and barriers to implementation of a whole school approach to physical activity in UK primary schools.
- NCSEM, 2022. To develop theory which will advance the understanding of the implementation of whole school approaches to physical education, school sport and physical activity in UK primary schools.
- Yorkshire Sport Foundation, 2021. Evaluate the impact of infusing an existing physical activity workshop with motivational interviewing on teacher intention, behaviour and planning.
- NCSEM, 2021. To develop and test the feasibility and impact of a whole school approach to physical activity in a primary school setting.
