Schools gear up for Smart Moves

Queensland state school students are gearing up for an active year, with 2008 designated as the Year of Physical Activity and the introduction of Smart Moves.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Smart Moves – Physical Activity Programs in State Schools would increase the curriculum time in which students were engaged in healthy, better quality physical activity.

“All state schools have received copies of the guidelines to help with the roll-out and implementation of Smart Moves,” Mr Welford said.

“Under the new program, primary school students will be required to participate in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. In secondary schools the requirement is a minimum two hours a week.

“The program is designed to address the current epidemic of obesity in our community – the 2006 Healthy Kids Queensland Survey showed that one in five Queensland children is overweight or obese.

“International research also shows that along with the physiological benefits, engaging in physical activity at school improves students’ educational outcomes, supports their personal development and promotes lifelong active lifestyles.”

Mr Welford said the Queensland Government was committed to improving the health and well-being of all students.

“We have also named 2008 the Year of Physical Activity in Queensland schools because we want to see every child being active and healthy,” he said.

Smart Moves will become part of schools’ accountabilities through the annual planning process. To implement Smart Moves, all state schools will:

• Allocate time for physical activity of moderate intensity – 30 minutes minimum of daily exercise for primary schools and at least two hours a week for secondary schools
• Improve community access to school sport and recreational facilities
• Increase teachers’ capacity to deliver physical activity
• Deliver staff professional development in physical activity
• Build community partnerships by working with local councils, sports groups, Queensland Health and the Local Government, Sport and Recreation Department
• Account for students’ physical activity by keeping timetables and auditing progress.

The guidelines require schools to formally implement their plans from July 2008, with all students participating in Smart Moves by December 2008.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985