Promoting healthy communities through an active curriculum

Abstract

A tactical response project to support the inclusion of regular physical activity within the curriculum which was cultivated and implemented as a rejoinder to the Smart Moves – Physical Activity Program (2008) developed for Queensland State Schools. The project involved consultation with and data collection from partner organisations responsible for physical activity, health and well-being within the local community. Fourth year education students developed integrated units of work using these resources and drew outcomes from both the Health and Physical Education(HPE) and Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) Curriculum documents. An active curriculum and kinaesthetic learning is promoted by embedding physical activity as a crucial element within the units of work. Arising from this, a collaborative, web-based learning community was established to support both pre-service and existing educators with the knowledge, skills, resources and confidence to deliver a meaningful, effective and active curriculum to their students. The outcomes of this project are significant to three stakeholders from the study, those being children, pre-service teachers and current teachers. For children, the project increases the time and opportunity to participate in meaningful physical activity within the curriculum. This project allows pre-service teachers to participate in professional dialogue and mutual sharing of ideas and resources and provides a framework for collaboration with their colleagues. The project achieves meaningful outcomes for practicing teachers by acknowledging the planning and preparation workload of current teachers, and provides tangible support for classroom teachers to effectively facilitate physical activity to their students on a daily basis. The website also provides a platform for professional discourse within the education community across the region, supports higher order thinking skills, engages professional reflection and helps to raise the confidence and moral of teachers within the Fraser Coast community. Recommendations for future directions, expansion and sustainability of the website are also discussed.