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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 10 Hansard (25 September) . . Page.. 3804 ..

School sport

(Question No 906)

Mr Pratt asked the Minister for Education, Youth and Family Services, upon notice, on 28 August 2003:

In relation to school sport:

(1) In July 2000 the former Government released the 'Review of Services to School and Junior Sport 2000'. What programs has your Government implemented to enhance and affirm support for school sport/physical education since coming to office;

(2) Since the release of that report, has a school and junior sport skilling plan been developed. If so, where can copies be obtained, if not why not;

(3) Since the release of that report, has cooperation between school and junior sport partners through the negotiation of formal service agreements taken place? If so, where can copies of the service agreements be obtained, if not why not;

(4) Since the release of that report, have specific benchmarks for participation in school sport and junior sport been established. If so, where may copies of the benchmark details be obtained, if not, why not;

(5) Since the release of that report, has a review of internal administrative structure that support school and junior sport at the ACT Department of Education, Youth and Family Services taken place in order to maximise efficiency.

Ms Gallagher

(1) The Government provides funding to Sport and Recreation ACT who in turn fund the Active Australia Schools' Network. This network currently services 54 primary and secondary schools in developing physical activity programs, based on the Fundamental Motor Skills Program for students and professional development for teachers. There are a total of 22 individual and team sports targeted by the network to address student outcomes relating to physical activity.

In 2003 DEYFS approved funding to the ACT Outdoor Education Association to facilitate a series of professional development courses for current and intending outdoor education teachers and practitioners. These courses, including a Graduate Certificate of Education (Outdoor Education) at the University of Canberra in 2004, as well as several short specific courses, are aimed at increasing the technical and skill development of participants.

The PE and Sport Unit in the department coordinates Health and PE Week annually in conjunction with the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation and other agencies. In 2003 the theme for Health and PE Week is 'Get into SHAPE, stay in SHAPE'. This event took place from 15-19 September, providing professional development for teachers and involving over 1000 students in a variety of physical activities, including a Sports Career Expo.

DEYFS continues to expand the Health Promoting Schools Network. In 2003 there are 85 schools that have completed training in options and strategies to address issues relating to the promotion of health and welfare of school-aged children.

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