Lifestyle of our Kids study: Influences of physical activity and physical education on the psychophysical health of Australian children

Physical education delivered by specialist teachers, twice a week for 50 minutes each session, during a period of four primary school years, from grades 3 to 6. The physical education is based on an exploratory approach where children are challenged with movement tasks. The emphasis is on balance and gross motor skills as well as fine motor skills including eye hand coordination. There is also an emphaisis on engaging every child and enjoyment of the movement experience and de-emphasis on individual competition. The physical educators are specialist teachers from the Bluearth Foundation (www.bluearth.com), all trained teachers, who participate in the activities with the children.