On Wednesday the 18th of March we hosted a networking and professional learning hui for all Healthy Active Learning schools at Ngā Puna Wai.

The day consisted of several presentations and collaborative activities regarding Play, Physical Education and Sport. Thank you to everyone who attended and for your valuable participation throughout the day. Here is a very brief summary of the key learnings and common themes from the hui.

State of play in schools – Facilitated by Adam Gard’ner (Healthy Families, Play Systems Innovator)

Common benefits of play in schools: Spaces available (open spaces, trees, bike/scooter tracks, playgrounds); lots of interactive play between year levels; a variety of games and activities created by the students themselves.

Common barriers of play in schools: Not having access to equipment and spaces; inclusion – some kids feeling left out; tamariki not knowing how to play (creatively and safely) with each other.

What is quality Physical Education? Facilitated by Heather Lindsay – (PENZ)

Key learnings from the session: The PE curriculum is holistic and meets the needs of each individual; students learn in, through and about movement; movement serves as a context for learning to occur across subjects; ensure lessons are fun for tamariki.

Opportunities in sport – Facilitated by Healthy Active Learning Facilitators

Opportunities in schools: Intra-school competition; Local inter-school competitions; values-based sport focus - PB4L skills, fair play.

Support needed for schools: Staff PD to increase confidence; access to resources; ideas for alternative sports; equipment for schools.

Find out more: Healthy Active Learning

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