Over 30,000 students across 130 schools have had the opportunity to participate in the OAK Healthy Active Lifestyles Program since its commencement in 2005.
The program aims at providing quality education and improving awareness on nutrition and physical activity for children in the wider Penrith area. Lessons are based around the Stage 3 PDHPE curriculum and include main topics such as physical fitness, healthy eating and the importance of developing healthy habits and understanding their importance throughout life.
In a world where devices offer so many enjoyable activities that require little or no physical effort, our health is showing signs of decline. Obesity rates and lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise. This program is one way we can raise awareness in the young people it is likely to affect.
The program encourages students and their families to make healthy choices whilst reinforcing the importance of physical activity through regular exercise. Participation in community sports is highlighted to ensure that students stay connected with sport even after they have left school.
The program is delivered by our physical education teacher during weekly lessons for each of the classes in their own school. Use is made of courts, grassed playing fields, school halls, undercover areas and even classrooms.
Lessons include:
- Fitness testing/goal setting
- Skill development (including Fundamental Movement Skills, individual fitness activities and small-sided games)
- Sports - whole class team games that encourage cooperation and strategy
- Nutrition and healthy habits lessons
- Panthers earth-ball games at school
Parents are also able to attend our sessions held by a qualified dietician to give more specific information about meal preparation and ideas for fussy eaters and other programs that are available to them.
Teachers are provided with planning documents to allow them to evaluate and replicate the program with subsequent classes.
