MoveWell is a games resource to support Physical Education teaching, aimed at primary and intermediate school teachers. Each primary and intermediate school received a number of copies of the resource in 2021. Developed by a number of agencies, includng Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ), Sport New Zealand (SNZ), the Ministry of Education, ACC and the University of Auckland, it is an exciting and user friendly resource which closely aligns with the curriculum intent.

The focus is on teaching through games, where students can find success, and the intrinsic joy of movement and playing with their peers. Physical skills sit alongside social/emotional skills as well as game skills as ākonga participate in well planned and fun games. There is a significant shift away from teaching skills in isolation, which research has shown has been ineffective.

Over the past year 14 workshops have been held across the country, the last of which is happening today in Nelson! These workshops, were facilitated by Marisa McKay and Melissa Marks, the Primary Physical Education Advisors for PENZ. The workshops have given kainga opportunities to explore the resource which has helped to enhance their physical education programmes. For many it was an opportunity to refresh Physical Education Curriculum knowledge, with a view to implementing quality learning experiences for their ākonga. Teachers appreciated the chance to examine their practice with a fresh lens and to engage in activities which sparked ideas and enabled professional growth. Some participant feedback from the workshops stated, “My perception of PE has changed” “I enjoyed upacking the resource in a practical manner”

Teachers loved the resource design which includes detailed descriptions and progressions of the game, a learning focus, a concept clinic (short PLD statements to assist teachers), and suggested questions and reflection, which could help with formative assessment also.

You can read more about it, watch MoveWell videos, and download a copy here.