A child's level of physical activity is influenced by many factors, including their individual skills, their family lifestyle and the environment in which they live, learn and play. Schools are at the heart of all Victorian communities and are vital in preparing young Victorians to lead a physically active and healthy life.

What makes an active school

An active school encourages physical activity through a whole school approach that goes beyond traditional physical education and sport to promote physical activity at every opportunity.

The joint ministerial statement, Active Schools, Active Kids, Active Communities, highlights the Victorian Government’s commitment to improving physical activity in all Victorians to improve health, wellbeing and educational outcomes.

A key part of this statement, the active schools framework, supports schools to take a whole school approach to physical activity, recognising there is no single solution to shifting inactivity; it takes a multifaceted and system wide effort.

Many schools may already be taking action in some of these areas, but many also need support to enhance their current approach. This toolkit provides guidance and practical strategies that schools and teachers can use to help them become an active school.

Explore the tiles below to understand the framework and plan and implement change in your school to get your students moving more and sitting less.

Active schools framework

The active schools framework outlines six key priorities that recognise there is no single solution to shifting inactivity; it takes a multifaceted and system wide effort.

Becoming an active school

Information and advice for schools about how they can make physical education and activity a core part of their school life.

Quality physical education

Children and young people who participate in quality physical education develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to be active for life.

Quality school sport

Quality school sport provides opportunities for all students to participate in a format suitable to their age, skill and ability whilst also linking students with local sporting clubs.

Active classrooms

Small changes in the classroom can have a big impact on student learning, health and contribution to their daily activity levels.

Active recreation

Schools can provide a range of opportunities for students to undertake unstructured, leisure-based physical activity.

Active travel

Active travel involves walking, cycling, scooting or other active ways of getting to or from school, for the whole journey or as part of the journey along with other travel modes, such as public transport.

Creating a supportive environment

A supportive school environment is integral to an active school, which encourages physical activity throughout the school day.

Further information

For further information on the Active Schools initiative visit Active schools.

Contact and feedback

If you have questions about the toolkit or the active schools initiative, contact the team at active.schools@education.vic.gov.au.