Weaving the Healthy Active Learning programme into Hāwera Intermediate has given holistic learning opportunities to students that build on the strengths of the school without adding further workload pressure.

Hāwera Intermediate recently joined the nationwide Healthy Active Learning programme, which focuses on improving the well-being of tamariki through quality physical activity and healthy eating and drinking. They are also one of 41 schools in Taranaki recieving healthy free lunches as part of the Ka Ora Ka Ako programme. 

Like other primary school teachers, Hāwera staff are facing the pressure of a crowded curriculum and the daunting task of teaching eight learning areas. But with the support of Sport Taranaki in unpacking the Health & PE curriculum, school leadership saw strong parallels between curriculum content and the schools Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) programme. They were keen to align the Healthy Active Learning kaupapa with the strengths and consistency of PB4L across the school, at the same time using the healthy free lunches as an opportunity for learning.  

Sport Taranaki Healthy Active Learning Advisors Mattie Thomas and Kayla Jones, along with Heart Foundation Nutrition Advisor Kim Pennington, supported Lead Teacher Dawn Mendes to create a series of learning experiences focusing on Hāwera Intermediate’s KAURI values (Kaitiakitanga, Ākonga, Unity, Respect, Independence). Prior to 2022, these values would provide a daily focus during PB4L time. With an improved understanding of the aims of the Health & PE curriculum, the team continued to focus on these values ‘through movement’, using relevant and explicit learning.

Ka Ora Ka Ako then provided an opportunity to learn ‘through kai’. Teachers were supported with resources to learn and discuss kai, how it can make us feel, improve our well-being, bring people together, celebrate diverse cultures, and to better understand our connections to whenua.  

Hāwera Intermediate Principal, Neryda Sullivan said this approach worked well for the school

 “At Hāwera Intermediate, we’re ever mindful of the busy load on teachers and we have worked to implement Healthy Active Learning in a seamless way utilising our school values as the catalyst for change. Our school has always focused on the explicit teaching of school values for 20 minutes per morning, mindfulness being a part of this.”

“The Te Whare Tapa Whā model has been the vehicle for promoting Healthy Active Learning and with the addition of a 10-minute active game slot prior to our lunch break, and at other times throughout the day, student physical, and emotional needs are being met as they explore key competencies within game/ skill-based learning. As I write this, outside my window, much laughter can be heard as student and teacher are actively participating in a game.”

As a lot of schools look to localise their curriculum, this type of holistic, relevant learning is crucial, she says.

“Emerging adolescents need time to express their individuality and like all students need experiences to explore emotions of fair play, competitiveness and co-operation. Having Mattie on site in a weekly capacity means teachers are supported in building knowledge of game-based activity, this encourages the same activity on a daily basis throughout the school. Students ask for their "game break" and feel cheated if this doesn't happen. Our school culture is very settled this year and I believe these active breaks are a contributing factor.”

“With thoughtful support from Kayla "Learning through Kai" extends whanaungatanga, encouraging discussion around where foods come from, how they can be prepared, how differing families view their eating times, celebrating diversity amongst whānau groups. As winter closes in, video clips aligning our values into the Ka Ora Ka Ako programme, will provide a new perspective to healthy eating during the lunch programme.”

Lead Teacher Dawn Mendes says HAL has not increased teacher workload.

"Taking on the Healthy Active Learning initiative has provided an opportunity for our students to have a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, beliefs and the importance of feeding our bodies with nutritious kai.  It has also provided us as a school to make a deeper connection to our school values.  Linking our PB4L and HAL together made more sense, as they have similar outcomes and focuses on each student as individuals.  Having the extra support from the team and Mattie encourages our team to get involved, encourages the students and gets all students engaged.  The in-class support has also helped with all teachers feeling confident delivering the programme and normalising it in school rather than it being an 'extra'.” 

Sport Taranaki Healthy Learning Advisor Mattie Thomas said Healthy Active Learning is a nationwide initiative but it is tailored carefully to the needs of each school.

"It’s great to see Hāwera Intermediate take a direction that is meaningful and important to them. Starting from a strengths-based approach, building on what they already do well as a school, means it is relevant to their local context and ensures greater likelihood of sustainable change and success."

Article added: Thursday 26 May 2022