Physical Discipline
Physical education is an essential component of a well-rounded education for students of all ages. One of the conditions to be a student of Last School is to have a regular and organized physical education program to develop the various qualities of the body.
These qualities include strength and flexibility, endurance, balance and coordination, discipline and groundedness – which help to also develop psychological qualities of social and emotional stability, resilience, will power, and determination. It builds self confidence in the individual and can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also builds life skills linked to teamwork, communication and leadership.
Physical Education helps to bring out different aspects of a person’s character and personality. Though most physical activities usually happen outside of school hours in the wider Auroville context, some are an integral part of the school.
“The perfection of the body, as great a perfection as we can bring about by the means at our disposal, must be the ultimate aim of physical culture.”
~ Sri Aurobindo
Application of physical discipline
In 2012, I went on my first trek with the Auroville trekking group. It was a difficult one — physically I was fit, but mentally it was tough. That experience changed me.
The mountains gave me something very deep. Up there, even when you are with a group, it’s actually just you — in the vastness.
It opens up something in you.
For me, that was humility. I think humility was always within me, but up there, it became much more present. Because you realise how small you are in front of the mountain, how little you actually control. You can’t take anything for granted there. You are just there — present — and you appreciate the moment.
~ Teacher, age 35 years
A few of the physical activities at Last School
Team Sports:
Frisbee, Football, Basketball
Dehashakti Sports Program (Auroville gymnasium and sports area)
Martial Arts: MMA, Capoeira, Kalaripayattu, Aikido
Individual Sports:
Gym, Table tennis, Tennis, Badminton, Skating, Gymnastics, Circus, Archery, Juggling, Surfing, Horse riding, Yoga, Boxing, Climbing, Swimming, Running, Cycling, Callisthenics
Dance:
Salsa, Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Hip hop, Kathak, Aerobics
Areas of Focus
Areas of Focus