(UK) Scotland: Review finds mindfulness, meditation, yoga in school don't improve academics

Jan 21, 2018, UK Times: Doing downward dog doesn’t boost Scots pupils’ grades https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/scotland/doing-downward-dog-doesnt-boost-scots-pupils-grades-vgkg8tksl They may help youngsters to find inner peace, but teaching mindfulness, t’ai chi and yoga in Scottish schools may do little to close the attainment gap, according to a report. Wellbeing classes are catching on in mainstream education amid claims that they improve mental health, help children to deal with stress and can boost grades. A review by NHS Health Scotland, however, warns that there is little evidence the classes can have a positive impact in addressing inequalities in education. … Kelvinside Academy, one of Scotland’s most prestigious independent schools, is among those to have embraced a mindfulness programme. Pupils are given lessons in yoga and t’ai chi and encouraged to take “stretching breaks” between lessons. The school has a mindfulness roof garden for people to practise meditation and breathing techniques. …