Education students go into schools to get Kids on the Move

More than 350 pre-service teachers from Southern Cross University will encourage over 2000 school students from across the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour to be physically active over the next three weeks, from Monday July 28.

Called U Kids on the Move, first year education students will work with schools in the University’s footprint coaching physical education activities. The program has been developed by Dr Suzanne Hudson and Dr Ros Franklyn from the School of Education.

Dr Suzanne Hudson said the program had a ‘benefits for all approach’, assisting students and pre-service teachers alike. It is funded from the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).

“For the pre-service teachers from our University, they will gain vital hands-on experience and a taste of teaching physical education activities in the ‘real world’. At University the pre-service teachers have been learning about how to teach fundamental movement skills such as kicking, throwing and sprinting and will now have an opportunity to teach what they have learned to school students,” Dr Hudson said.

“We also hope that it ignites a passion for pre-service teachers for teaching physical education, which is so important in today’s education system.

“As for the school students, they will benefit by learning vital skills for being active and we hope that it is a lot of fun for them. They will experience a variety of activities designed by Dr Ros Franklin and the pre-service teachers. It is also hoped that the program assists in building aspirations for these students. The pre-service teachers are positive role models demonstrating that university can be an option for everyone at school. Research has shown that aspiration building for further education should start during the primary school years.”

Dr Hudson said that Southern Cross University had a strong community engagement focus that emphasised the importance of communities benefitting from universities located in regional areas.

“We hope the project will also help us to strengthen partnerships with the schools in our regions, help prepare teachers who can actively teach physical education and coaching activities to students, and impact the local communities in a positive way,” she said.

Media is invited to attend U Kids on the Move on Monday July 28 at the following locations:

Tallebudgera State School
Group 1 and 2: 9.50am – 10.50am (Years 5 and 7)
Group 5: 12pm – 1pm (Year 3)

Goonellabah Public School
Group 1: 10am – 11am (Years 1 and 2)
Group 2: 12.30pm – 1.30pm (Years 3 and 4)
Group 3: 2.15pm – 3.15pm (Years 4, 5 and 6)

Coffs Harbour Public School
Group 1: 9:30am – 11am
Group 2: 11:30am – 1pm
Group 3: 1:30pm – 3pm

Photo: Dr Suzanne Hudson