Additional PE Advisers Needed

Additional PE Advisers Needed

Today’s announcement of 25 additional PE advisers to support and advise primary schools’ physical education programmes has been welcomed by NZEI National President Colin Tarr.

“Currently there are only 3.25 adviser positions working in this curriculum area nationally so the appointment of 25 new advisers is essential to provide professional development and programme support, resources and advice,” says Colin Tarr.

In making the announcement Education Minister Trevor Mallard said this is a part of an $8m investment in an increased focus on physical activity in primary schools.

“Quality movement programmes are part and parcel of many primary schools’ extensive PE activities but they are very time and staff intensive and schools will need to receive tangible resources, such as those announced today, to expand what is currently offered,” says Colin Tarr.

In his release Mr Mallard talks of an option of providing extra physical activity with the staffing secured to provide classroom release time for full time primary classroom teachers, to be introduced from Term 4 2005.

“This is an option - but it is up to individual schools to decide how best to deploy this staffing to meet their own particular circumstances and needs. Primarily this is a workload recognition for already fully committed classroom teachers. The programme that will be provided for the class whilst their teacher is released to undertake other duties is a matter for individual schools to decide,” Mr Tarr said.

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