There is a strong, positive interconnection between physical activity and students’ wellbeing outcomes. Physically active kids have:
- increased cognitive function
- higher school attendance
- improved self-esteem and resilience.
The School Sport Unit provides resources, professional learning and mentoring to improve student wellbeing outcomes through the implementation of a whole school approach to sport and physical activity. Support is aligned to the School Excellence Framework (SEF) and the School Excellence Policy. Schools will be supported in developing their monitoring and evaluation plans as part of their Strategic Improvement Plans (SIP).
What is the Sport and physical activity school health check?
The Sport and physical activity school health check (the health check) is an optional evidence-based self-assessment tool for school leadership teams and teachers. The health check can be used as part of an inquiry process to identify and improve a school's sport and physical activity practices.
It acts as a road map to help schools plan towards a high impact sport and physical activity learning environment. It can be used in flexible ways to meet the development needs of the school.
What support can we access?
The School Sport Unit provides resources, professional learning and mentoring to improve student wellbeing outcomes through the implementation of a whole school approach to sport and physical activity.
What professional learning is available?
- Interconnection between physical activity and wellbeing (NR32625) is a 2 hour professional learning that explores the interconnection between physical activity and wellbeing and supports schools in accurately completing and implementing the Sport and physical activity school health check to improve student wellbeing through sport and physical activity.
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School Excellence - Sport and Physical Activity School Health Check (NR37076) is a 1 hour professional learning that supports schools in accurately completing and implementing the Sport and physical activity school health check to plan, deliver and evaluate a quality comprehensive sport and physical activity program.
What follow-up support is provided with this training?
After the professional learning, schools can arrange one-to-one follow-up support, which includes but is not limited to:
- analysis of the Sport and physical activity school health check
- identification of initiatives and milestones
- implementation of evaluation tools for monitoring and achieving wellbeing targets
- ongoing support is provided as schools desire.
How can we access the professional learning?
Both courses are also available on-demand. These sessions are scheduled to cater for individual school needs and can be arranged at any time. The target audience is school leaders and interested staff. Complete this inquiry form and we will get in contact to organise a time that suits your needs (DoE login required, non-DoE teachers can get in touch with us by email at tplschoolsport@det.nsw.edu.au).
What do schools say about the Sport and physical activity school health check?
Over 200 teachers, deputy principals and principals have completed Health check implementation training. 97% of participants selected 'agree or strongly agree' to the statements "I have a deep understanding of the links between sport, physical activity and wellbeing" and "I understand how sport and physical activity can address wellbeing through a whole-school evidence-based approach.
This is what some teachers said when asked "How did this professional learning support you in your understanding of the link between sport, physical activity and wellbeing?
"The research really highlighted the link between physical activity and wellbeing and deepened my understanding of the importance of pushing this"
"Provided evidence, support and direction moving forward. Importance of self assessment to establish baseline and community consultation."
"I found this PL to be very informative. It outlined the clear processes for which our school could undertake and how important it is to do a 'health check' in order to ascertain where we are at, before planning any steps going forward."
How much does this cost and how do we access the resources?
All resources and support come at no cost.
Last updated: 15 February 2023