15 June 2001 Media note

Speech launching ERO report attached below

Please note this speech launches the ERO's Physical Acitivity in Primary Schools' report – for quick reference here is the key piece of the speech about the report:

"Today I am releasing the report they wrote for me about the physical activity they saw in 100 primary schools in March, April and May this year.

The ERO report Physical Activity in Primary Schools shows that things are actually a good deal better than we feared. For example in most schools reviewers saw almost all of the children spending their lunchtimes and playtimes:

- climbing on ropes, ladders and nets;
- skipping, playing 4 square, hopscotch;
- chasing, running, playing tag games;
- swimming, and playing aquatic games;
- goal shooting, playing cricket and patter tennis.

Timetabled physical education lessons were observed. They included swimming, athletics, cross country running, ball activities, specific sport skills, dance, gymnastics, fitness exercises, and competitive games. Children liked phys ed and many schools had phys ed every day.

In most of the schools organised sport was arranged for all children. Some schools had specialist sports teachers and made sure that specialist coaching was available. Schools provided uniforms, brought in role models and gave awards for participation.

The benefits of our children becoming involved in sport and recreation are crucial if we are to “push play” past the teenage years."

ENDS

15 June 2001 Speech Notes

Embargoed until: 4pm

Opening of Paraparaumu College Gym/Fitness Complex

Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate with you the official opening of the Paraparaumu College new gymnasium and fitness centre. As both Minister of Education and Minister for Sport, Fitness and Leisure, opening such facilities is one of the best parts of my job. I am also really looking forward to trying out the surface in our volleyball game shortly and am grateful to my “Dream Team” for being here to take on the staff and students. For the record, my most recent game of volleyball was as part of a challenge against two other Ministers’ offices. The loss has become notorious so let’s just say the only way is up!

Paraparaumu College is a modern, progressive college which started from small beginnings to become the thriving, competitive college it is today. The development of this college over the last 25 years has been significant and it is wonderful to be here today to celebrate further development and I understand there are also exciting plans for future upgrading and development. This new facility is at the forefront of design and as students and staff you are all very fortunate to finally have such a great complex at your school.

The benefits of sound Health and Physical Education are huge. The recently released Ministerial taskforce report, “Getting Set for an Active Nation” outlined recommendations for the Government to implement our main objectives for sport, fitness and leisure. Those objectives are to increase participation and promote excellence.

You will be aware that the report painted a rather gloomy picture of physical activity in schools. Because of this I asked the Education Review Office to look closely at what goes on. Today I am releasing the report they wrote for me about the physical activity they saw in 100 primary schools in March, April and May this year.

The ERO report Physical Activity in Primary Schools shows that things are actually a good deal better than we feared. For example in most schools reviewers saw almost all of the children spending their lunchtimes and playtimes:

- climbing on ropes, ladders and nets;
- skipping, playing 4 square, hopscotch;
- chasing, running, playing tag games;
- swimming, and playing aquatic games;
- goal shooting, playing cricket and patter tennis.

Timetabled physical education lessons were observed. They included swimming, athletics, cross country running, ball activities, specific sport skills, dance, gymnastics, fitness exercises, and competitive games. Children liked phys ed and many schools had phys ed every day.

In most of the schools organised sport was arranged for all children. Some schools had specialist sports teachers and made sure that specialist coaching was available. Schools provided uniforms, brought in role models and gave awards for participation.

The benefits of our children becoming involved in sport and recreation are crucial if we are to “push play” past the teenage years. We must also recognise that at high school level our spirited children are developing into talented teenagers and some of you may even become high performance athletes. With access to facilities like this participation, education and performance can be enhanced dramatically and I am thrilled to hear of the excitement and motivation of both students and staff to make the most of this complex. The benefits of becoming involved are huge - for participants at every level. This facility will enhance the keen interest that is already shown at this college by a large number of students in sport, recreation and health. It is with great pleasure that I officially open Paraparaumu College’s new Gymnasium and Fitness Complex.

ENDS

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