Taking part in fun movement-based activities in the early years is crucial to forming positive, life-long active habits.
Bluearth’s Active Leaders Program uses peer support to address low physical activity in schools by developing student health and wellbeing leaders who facilitate student-led physical activity sessions for younger students.
Eight primary schools in Melbourne’s west are part of the Brimbank Active Leaders Program. With the support of Bluearth Coaches the peer leaders (in upper primary) develop confidence, resilience and leadership skills as they become role models and mentors for the younger students. It is a powerful opportunity for the leaders to gain experience in planning and leading meaningful, fun physical activity sessions and for younger students to be inspired by their peers. Peer leaders are strong influencers on the attitudes and behaviours of others.
Through the Active Leaders Program, they become not only physical activity advocates but help create a more respectful, inclusive school community. Every principal taking part agreed that the Brimbank Active Leaders Program has:
- improved student resilience and focus
- promoted positive relationships between teachers and students
- supported learning and development.
- improved student leaders’ self-awareness and self-perception.
Bluearth is seen as much a leadership opportunity as it is a physical activity program. Principal for the St Albans Heights Primary school, said that “The Leadership Program has had a powerful impact on our school. Bluearth’s focus on self-regulation, respect and cooperation has resulted in a significant reduction in playground incidents at lunch time.” A student from the school also praised the program saying that, “The Active Leaders Program makes me feel wonderful. I learned that movement helps you keep fit and happy and in leadership to be kind to others and to be helpful”. Since 2014, Bluearth has helped create 2500 active leaders in Australian schools. It has proven to be a cost-effective, flexible model that can be adapted to suit the needs and dynamics of different schools.
For more information about how your school or workplace could get involved with the Bluearth movement, check out their website
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