Empowering student leaders supports a whole-school culture

Unlocking the potential of student sport leaders has transformed Pakuranga Heights School in Tāmakai Mākaurau, Auckland, into a student-led physical activity environment.

Previously, student sport leaders primarily set up equipment at lunchtimes and assisted during sport and whānau days.

With senior leadership committed to creating a system that enables students to lead activities, student focus groups were formed to gather their views on what physical activity should look like at the school. Now, student leaders actively collaborate with kaiako to plan and facilitate lunchtime activities, ensuring they are relevant and enjoyable for their peers.

The school has also established a group of Healthy Active Learning kaiako champions who, supported by professional learning development from Sport Auckland, create HPE plans for each term. As a result, 43% of teachers at Pakuranga Heights now feel they have time to plan and teach effective health and physical education, up from 22%. There has also been an increase in their confidence and ability to provide experiences that meet student needs.

Reflecting on this school-wide shift, kaiako report an increased emphasis on physical activity in the strategic plan, rising from 22% to 63%.