Active Schools Initiative

This year Brookside College received funding from the Active Schools initiative. This initiative provides funding to schools to encourage physical activity beyond traditional physical education and sport. It aims to promote physical activity at every opportunity throughout the school day.

Our college house captains and vice captains worked alongside our staff house leaders to develop a goal focused on physical activity within the school. This goal was to increase the level of physical activity of students and improve the engagement in exercise and play. Working within the active schools framework, a community and student survey was conducted. The survey covered all elements of the framework with options and ideas on how we could achieve this goal. 

After reviewing survey responses from community members, parents, staff and students, the student leaders decided the best way forward was to use the funding to build two gaga pits in the school. A gaga pit is a large, fenced-in area, usually octagonal, where the fast-paced game of Gaga Ball is played. The game, a gentler version of dodgeball, involves players dodging and striking a soft ball with their hands to eliminate opponents by hitting them below the knees.

After seeking quotes and comparing prices, students and staff leaders organised the gaga pits to be built over the Term 3 holidays. Upon returning to school for Term 4, our students were amazed to see the pits installed and ready to use. There has been an incredible buzz around the game and many students playing and participating in gaga ball during recess and lunch time.

In the few weeks we have returned to school this term, there has been a significant increase in the number of students enjoying physical activity during their break times and playing in the gaga pits. At the moment the pits are being used by our year 3-6 students. A timetable allowing access for other year levels will be created in the coming weeks. We look forward to continuing to support happy, healthy and active students here at Brookside College.

Mr. Thompson