Smart Moves underway in Queensland schools from July
Published Thursday, 05 June, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Queensland state school students will be put through their paces from next semester, with the official roll-out of Smart Moves starting on 15 July 2008.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Smart Moves: Physical Activity Programs in Queensland State Schools aimed to increase the quality and quantity of physical activity for all state school students.
“Smart Moves will be fully implemented in all state schools by the end of 2008,” Mr Welford said.
“The initiative requires all state primary schools to allocate 30 minutes a day for physical activity, and all state secondary schools must allocate a minimum of two hours each week for physical activity.
“As well as activities outside the classroom, Smart Moves will be integrated into the school curriculum with teachers using activities that incorporate literacy and numeracy as well as physical activity.
“I’ve themed 2008 as the Year of Physical Activity for Queensland schools to assist with the implementation of the Smart Moves program.
“Recent studies have shown that the number of overweight and obese children is continuing to rise in Queensland with serious health, social and economic consequences.
“We’ve already taken a step in the right direction by offering healthy food options in our schools and now we are introducing physical activity as the second part of our strategy.
“I believe our schools can make a difference to the future lifestyles of today’s children and I look forward to seeing Smart Moves in action.”
Mr Welford said more than 500 teachers attended the four Commonwealth Bank 2008 Year of Physical Activity Conferences in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville during May.
“These teachers were inspired by the ideas of the keynote speakers and by the physical activity programs showcased by a number of schools,” he said.
“They also worked up a sweat in practical sessions offered by various sporting organisations.
“Feedback from teachers at the conferences indicated they saw the need for physical activity in schools and realised the positive effect of active classrooms and engagement in regular physical activity on learning.”
Innovations showcased at the conferences included:
• Forest Lake State School embedding physical activity within their maths program;
• Southport State School building strong community partnerships by working closely with local high schools, community and sporting organisations; and
• MacGregor and Birkdale South State Schools’ senior administrators leading physical activity with various classes.
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Smart Moves: Physical Activity Programs in Queensland State Schools aimed to increase the quality and quantity of physical activity for all state school students.
“Smart Moves will be fully implemented in all state schools by the end of 2008,” Mr Welford said.
“The initiative requires all state primary schools to allocate 30 minutes a day for physical activity, and all state secondary schools must allocate a minimum of two hours each week for physical activity.
“As well as activities outside the classroom, Smart Moves will be integrated into the school curriculum with teachers using activities that incorporate literacy and numeracy as well as physical activity.
“I’ve themed 2008 as the Year of Physical Activity for Queensland schools to assist with the implementation of the Smart Moves program.
“Recent studies have shown that the number of overweight and obese children is continuing to rise in Queensland with serious health, social and economic consequences.
“We’ve already taken a step in the right direction by offering healthy food options in our schools and now we are introducing physical activity as the second part of our strategy.
“I believe our schools can make a difference to the future lifestyles of today’s children and I look forward to seeing Smart Moves in action.”
Mr Welford said more than 500 teachers attended the four Commonwealth Bank 2008 Year of Physical Activity Conferences in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville during May.
“These teachers were inspired by the ideas of the keynote speakers and by the physical activity programs showcased by a number of schools,” he said.
“They also worked up a sweat in practical sessions offered by various sporting organisations.
“Feedback from teachers at the conferences indicated they saw the need for physical activity in schools and realised the positive effect of active classrooms and engagement in regular physical activity on learning.”
Innovations showcased at the conferences included:
• Forest Lake State School embedding physical activity within their maths program;
• Southport State School building strong community partnerships by working closely with local high schools, community and sporting organisations; and
• MacGregor and Birkdale South State Schools’ senior administrators leading physical activity with various classes.
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000