Primary schools ordered to step up PE

By STUART DYE


Primary schools will be ordered to provide at least an hour a week of physical activity as the Government moves to stem the growing problem of childhood obesity.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard says changes to regulations will mean all primary schools must have a physical activity education specialist or a teacher with extra training.

At present, there is no minimum requirement and PE lessons vary from school to school depending on the staff.

The new initiative will see amendments to national education priorities and the curriculum to ensure all 5- to 10-year-olds are given at least one hour of "meaningful, high-quality" physical activity each week.

It will make PE as core to the curriculum as subjects such as maths and English. Mr Mallard said the move was critical to arrest rising obesity levels.

"It's important that young people understand the benefits of regular physical activity and develop their skills if we are to have a healthier and more active society," he said.

Mr Mallard announced the plans during a visit to Randwick School in Lower Hutt, together with world champion ironman Cory Hutchings and Silver Ferns netballer Anna Rowberry.

The scheme was part of the $6.6 million Active Schools strategy, and would be possible due to the classroom release time agreed as part of primary teachers' new pay deal, said the minister.

Small and rural schools would be given the option of clustering or further professional development for staff to meet the requirement.

Schools will be measured on their success by Government reviews through the Education Review Office, with the new regulations effective from 2006.

But the plans are a drop in the ocean according to some in the health sector.

Dr Robyn Toomath, head of Fight the Obesity Epidemic, said an hour a week was "pathetic".

"Schools in the UK have been piloting schemes for an hour a day. There will be a whole lot of schools here happy to cut down on what they do to meet one hour a week."

Dr Toomath said it was extraordinary that anyone could believe an hour a week would make much difference to the problem.

The primary teachers' union also suggested there could be problems implementing the new programme.

Colin Tarr, president of the NZEI, said compelling schools to use extra staffing for physical education would be counter-productive.

"Schools need to be able to determine their own priorities for the use of the classroom release time in line with the needs of their students."

In principle, however, he said he welcomed a greater emphasis on children's health and physical well-being.

Nick Hill, chief executive of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sparc), which has helped develop the programme, said the organisation would help schools meet the changes.

Sparc would also be working with schools and colleges of education to lift teachers' skill base, and improve teachers' confidence to teach physical activity.

Meanwhile, former Olympic chef de mission Sir Ronald Scott predicted the health initiative would have spin-off benefits for the sports sector.

"I believe this is a windfall for sport," he said.

"There will be more New Zealanders who will progress to be achievers at the highest levels. In due course it should translate into more medals."

Getting moving

Primary schools will have to provide at least one hour a week of "meaningful, high-quality" physical activity.

Lessons must be taken by a PE specialist.

One-third of New Zealand kids are overweight or obese.