When it comes to young people being active, changes in the Australian environment have led to increased screen time, busier after-school schedules, reduced outdoor play, less active transport to school, and lower participation in community sports.
This is where Physical Activity for Everyone (PA4E1) comes in!
PA4E1 is an evidence-based approach to increase physical activity and promote health and wellbeing amongst adolescents. As schools have a unique opportunity to reach large numbers of young people, they provide the ideal setting to support students to be more active.
We caught up with PDHPE teacher, Kaelan Burke, PA4E1 School Champion at Wadalba Community School, to discuss their school’s journey with the program and the impact it has had on students and staff.
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When asked why Wadalba Community School chose to participate in PA4E1, Kaelan said the decision aligned closely with the school’s commitment to wellbeing.
“We wanted to strengthen our commitment to healthier, more active lifestyles for both students and staff,” he said.
“We recognised the need to increase meaningful physical activity opportunities during and beyond PE lessons, and PA4E1 offered a structured, evidence-based framework to help us do this well.”
Since joining the program, Wadalba Community School has implemented a range of PA4E1 initiatives, including Resistance Training for Teens (RT4Teens), SAAFE-aligned lesson delivery (Supportive, Autonomous, Active, Fair and Enjoyable) and staff professional learning opportunities.
As part of the RT4Teens initiative, the school received an equipment pack valued at over $1,200 to support high-quality and practical learning experiences for students.
Approximately 220 Year 9 students took part in RT4Teens, with many responding enthusiastically to this new approach to physical activity.
“ The equipment provided through RT4Teens has been a game-changer, allowing us to deliver high-quality, inclusive fitness sessions. Overall, the program has been incredibly worthwhile and has made a real difference to student wellbeing and school culture.”
Beyond the Bell
Looking ahead, Wadalba Community School is committed to ensuring physical activity remains a key part of school life.
The school will continue its involvement through a research project exploring the most effective ways to support long-term implementation of PA4E1 in schools.
“Our ongoing participation will help strengthen long-term sustainability and embed physical activity practices more deeply across the school,” Kaelan said.
Advice for other schools
For schools considering joining PA4E1, Kaelan’s message is simple: get involved!
“PA4E1 and RT4Teens have had a genuinely positive impact on student engagement and our overall school culture around physical activity,” he said.
“The support, resources and professional learning provided make the programs easy to implement, even for busy faculties, and the benefits for students are clear.”
Reflecting on the school’s experience, Kaelan said one of the biggest surprises was how easily the programs integrated into existing school structures.
“If there’s one thing I wish we’d known earlier, it’s how seamlessly these programs fit into what schools are already doing. The process is far more achievable than we expected, and the gains for both staff and students have made participation incredibly worthwhile.”
Register your school now!
Schools who are engaging in PA4E1 are seeing strong engagement, more active students, and a shift in school culture. Details below on the upcoming workshop for schools wishing to get involved:
When: Friday 14 August
Time: 8:30am–3:00pm
Where: University of Newcastle
Register your interest – PA4E1 training for schools
A lasting impact
For Kaelan, the value of the program is clear.
“PA4E1 has had a hugely positive impact on Wadalba Community School. It has helped get more students active and engaged in physical activity, created stronger connections with our local community, and opened up valuable opportunities for all involved.