What does a role model Australian primary school Health and Physical Education (HPE) programme look like?

Abstract

The Teresa Carlson Award is the Australian Council for Health and Physical Education (ACHPER) Queensland’s most prestigious. Dr. Teresa Carlson was an outstanding academic, teacher and ACHPER Queensland State President. The annual recipient is an ACHPER member who is dedicated to the teaching of Health and Physical Education (HPE) and the promotion of its benefits within the community. The award began in 2004 and recipients have included the likes of Professor Doune Macdonald, Head of the School of Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland. From the seven recipients, one was chosen for their significant contribution specifically within a Primary school. Research suggests that the best time for children to learn and refine their motor skills is during preschool and early primary school years, and active children become active adults. In 2006, the HPE specialist teacher, Tim Lynch was nominated by St. Elizabeth’s Primary School community, and acknowledged by the selection panel. Dr. Tim Lynch spent the next three years in Qatar (2007-2010), in an English International school comprising of students from over 32 nations. Here he was Head of 450 children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage One (3-7 years). During this time pedagogy and curriculum adopted from the 2006 model and programme was successfully implemented. Thus, offering a learning opportunity for other schools within the Middle East region. Dr. Tim Lynch, Senior Lecturer at Monash University presents a snapshot of the HPE programme that was acknowledged for successfully building students’ interest in physical activities and healthy lifestyles.