We are excited to introduce you to Physical Activity for Everyone (PA4E1), an innovative and evidence-based whole-school physical activity program specifically designed for high schools. PA4E1 is a whole-school program designed to enhance student health and well-being. PA4E1 involves the implementation of seven physical activity practices – see below video for more information.

The program is a collaborative effort between Hunter New England Population Health and the University of Newcastle. Our dedicated PA4E1 Research Team are here to support high schools to implement the PA4E1 program in the Hunter New England Local Health District area in 2024. 

The PA4E1 program significantly improves students' physical activity levels.

An initial research trial of the PA4E1 program, conducted between 2014 to 2016, demonstrated students from PA4E1 schools engaged in an additional 49 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week[1][2]. Subsequent research trials from 2017 to 2020 have showcased that the PA4E1 program can be successfully scaled-up and delivered, including schools in low-socioeconomic areas. Given the success of the program, we now invite all high schools across the region to join us.

Research shows that 4 in 5 adolescents are considered physically inactive in Australia.

Changes in the Australian environment have led to increased screen time, busier after-school schedules, reduced outdoor play, less active transport to school, and lower participation in community sports [3]. Schools can reach large numbers of adolescents, making them a great setting. But currently, there is no physical activity program offered across all secondary schools in Hunter New England.

The PA4E1 program offers a range of benefits to schools who get involved.

• Free teaching resources: Access to free teaching materials linked to the NSW PDHPE curriculum.
• Ongoing support: 12 months+ support to implement PA4E1 with ongoing support from school health promotion experts to sustain and embed the program in your school.
• Enhanced PE & Support Programs: Access to an evidence-based enhanced PE & Sport program - ‘Resistance Training for Teens.’
• Professional Development: Training for PDHPE staff to deliver high-quality PE lessons using SAAFE (Supportive, Active, Autonomous, Fair, and Enjoyable) teaching principles.
• Funding support available: For teacher relief, implementation, and ongoing strategies to embed the program in your school for over 12 months.

Getting your school involved in PA4E1 is easy.

1. Register your schools' interest: please indicate interest by contacting our team at HNELHD-PHPA4E1@health.nsw.gov.au.
2. Select a School Champion: Identify a dedicated PDHPE staff member who can serve as the School Champion and participate in program training. Ideally, the School Champion could be the head teacher of PDHPE, another member of the PDHPE faculty or the School Sports Coordinator. After selection, we will collaborate closely with the Champion during the training and over 12months+ to support the program's successful integration into your school.

For further information please contact our team: HNELHD-PHPA4E1@health.nsw.gov.au

[1] Sutherland R, Campbell E, Lubans D, et al. The physical activity 4 everyone cluster randomized trial: 2-year outcomes of a school physical activity intervention among adolescents. Am J Prev Med. 2016;51(2):195–205. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2016.02.020

[2] Sutherland R, Campbell L, Lubans D, et al. ‘Physical Activity 4 Everyone’ school-based intervention to prevent decline in adolescent physical activity levels: 12 month (mid-intervention) report on a cluster randomised trial. Br J Sports Med. 2015;50(8):488–495. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094523

[3] Mclaughlin M, Duff J, Campbell E, et al. Process evaluation of a scaled-up school-based physical activity program for adolescents: Physical Activity 4 Everyone. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2024;21(8):741-755. doi: https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2024-0038