Challenge

SPARC contracted Educating NZ to develop a teaching toolkit that would encourage primary schools to provide quality physical activity experiences for children throughout all parts of the curriculum.

Approach

A collaborative and consultative approach was used to develop the Active Schools Toolkit. Workshops with principals and teachers were undertaken to develop and refine material. It has information for principals and Boards of Trustees on the benefits of supporting physical activity in schools, and a teachers’ handbook including activity cards for each curriculum area, an audio CD with music for activities, and a CD-ROM with interactive games for students.

We also provided support with other stages of the initiative including professional development, school community planning, healthy eating promotion and active school ambassadors.

Results

All primary schools received a copy of the toolkit plus professional development that unpacked it and assisted teachers with how to best use it. Subsequently SPARC has appointed facilitators to work in schools to support quality co-curricular physical activity and sustainable school community partnerships.