Released 05/08/2016
The results from the ACT Government’s It’s Your Move are in and they show that students at the three Canberra schools involved in the pilot program are making healthier choices that have resulted in a decrease in overweight and obesity.
The evaluation, undertaken in partnership with Deakin University, shows two of the three schools achieved a significant decrease in overweight and obesity, with the third school remaining stable. In addition, there was an increase in the proportion of students eating five or more vegetables daily and an increase in the proportion of students drinking four or more glasses of water at school.
“These results released today demonstrate the ACT Government’s investments in programs to make our communities healthier are working, and they also highlight the dedication of our teachers and students to improving health within the school environment,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“As part of the evaluation, Melrose, Calwell and Alfred Deakin high schools have not only achieved great results, but more students are choosing healthier lifestyles in a fun and innovative way.
“Following on from It’s Your Move’s success, nine Canberra high schools are now participating in the program, including Melrose, Calwell, Alfred Deakin, Mount Stromlo, Campbell, Amaroo, Belconnen, Canberra and Lanyon high schools.
“The program is about giving students and teachers the tools they need to develop ideas to promote healthy behaviours, which will not only engage the interest of their student cohorts, but also work within their school environment.
“Across our high school communities we have an abundance of entrepreneurial ideas and student creativity, which is why this program has had such success already. Students are often best placed to come up with ideas that will work within their peer groups and we are delighted to provide the opportunity for their ideas to be realised.
“Amaroo High School’s Project YUM is a great example of a healthy and student-led initiative to grow and continue to produce the school’s own fresh fruit. Similarly, Campbell High School’s Street Hero project has involved students learning marketing and business skills as part of creating a line of sun safe fashion wears.
“Local students and teachers involved in It’s Your Move projects should be incredibly proud of their efforts as these innovative and engaging ideas have a real impact on student health and wellbeing, which is a great outcome for the school community and for Canberra.
“A series of digital learning materials are being developed for further implementation of It’s Your Move into Canberra high schools from 2017, so I encourage all ACT high schools to get involved,” Minister Fitzharris said.
The ACT Government recognises the importance of investing in programs such as It’s Your Move to increase healthy eating and exercise habits amongst children and young people, and is committed to supporting a healthy, active and productive Canberra for all.
For more information on It’s Your Move visit: www.health.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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