Page 1261 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 3 April 2019
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It is useful in debating this motion that I hold the responsibility for both the education and sport portfolios and can bring both perspectives to this issue. Of course, we are again debating a motion from the shadow education minister that seems to overlook all of the work the government is already doing in this area. I will be moving an amendment to the motion because, with respect to all of the actions that the motion calls for, the government is already doing them.
The Australian curriculum is the framework used by government schools to deliver education. It provides learning opportunities that are contemporary, inquiry-based, developmentally appropriate, learner-centred and relevant to the student and the local and global communities with which they identify. Included in the Australian curriculum is the health and physical education learning area. My colleague Ms Cody, who is celebrating her birthday today—happy birthday, Ms Cody—will speak more about this in her speech.
Healthy, active living benefits individuals and society in many ways, with participation in physical activity and good nutrition improving a range of health and learning outcomes, including physical fitness, healthy body weight, psychological wellbeing, and cognition and readiness to learn. A healthy, active population enhances productivity and personal satisfaction and reduces the burden of chronic disease.
One of the roles of health and physical education in the Australian curriculum is to educate students to optimise their potential for health and wellbeing and contribute to building healthy, active communities. There has been pressure for the health and physical education curriculum to take on undue responsibility for a range of public health concerns about children and young people, including the rise in obesity. Members should recognise that, although the schools and curriculum contribute to health promotion goals by supporting the development of knowledge, understanding and skills that students can use to make healthier and safer choices, it is beyond the scope of the school to solve problems related to the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Like many issues, a whole-of-community response is required in this space, not solely an education response.
Regardless, the ACT government recognises the importance of providing students with opportunities to participate in physical education and sport. The Education Directorate provides schools with policy support and guidelines to enable high quality and consistent delivery of the Australian curriculum. The physical education and sport policy aims to ensure the participation of all students in safe and effective physical education and sport activities. Physical education and sport activities play an important role in enhancing students’ health and fitness, and support curriculum delivery and contribute to a positive school culture.
The ACT government believes this matter is important, and it is very serious about ensuring that it continues to be delivered. Schools are required to comply with the directorate’s physical education and sport policy and procedures, and the physical education and sport activity-specific mandatory guidelines.
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