Key Priority Area
Embedding movement into everyday learning can significantly improve student engagement, wellbeing and academic outcomes.
Active Classrooms is one of the most effective ways to increase student physical activity, engagement and learning outcomes using the teachers, spaces and resources your school already has.
Active Classrooms are learning environments where movement is intentionally integrated into teaching and learning. This includes active breaks, movement-based learning and flexible learning spaces that encourage students to move regularly throughout the day.
Students are more attentive and ready to learn.
Regular movement supports physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Movement improves engagement, on-task behaviour and academic outcomes.
Start with simple strategies that teachers can trial immediately and build on over time.
Explore practical ways to support Active Classrooms across the four implementation areas.
Use outdoor learning spaces to increase engagement and connection to the environment.
Embed movement into lessons so physical activity becomes part of everyday learning.
Include short active breaks (2–10 minutes) to re-energise and refocus students.
Use engaging, inclusive activities that combine movement, coordination and fun.
Embed a whole-school approach to active classrooms within teaching and learning.
Provide professional learning and practical resources for staff.
Promote movement as a key pedagogical approach for improving learning and academic achievement.
Align active classrooms with school priorities such as wellbeing and engagement.
Encourage opportunities for students to be active beyond the school day.
Promote active homework tasks that involve movement and exploration.
Support families to value physical activity as part of healthy routines.
Design indoor and outdoor spaces to maximise opportunities for movement.
Create flexible classrooms using standing options, open spaces and clear signage.
Encourage student movement through group work and rotating learning stations.
Utilise outdoor areas or develop outdoor classrooms to support active learning.
Use these resources to support classroom delivery, staff capability and school implementation. For more resources, visit the Resource Hub.
Active breaks, movement-based learning activities and energisers for every year level.
Resources that support learning in nature and outdoor classroom experiences.
Professional learning, implementation guides and practical teaching resources.
Research, case studies and evidence that show Active Classrooms in action
Resource acknowledgement
This page includes resources developed by Active Education Australia together with links to external organisations that support implementation of the Active Schools Framework. External resources remain the intellectual property of their respective organisations.
Learn more about acknowledgements →
Explore how schools have embedded movement into teaching, learning and classroom routines.
Explore how active breaks are helping students stay focused, engaged and ready to learn.
Discover how students led professional learning for staff, helping build understanding and support for Active Classrooms across the school.
See how students designed and built a Gaga Ball Pit, developing practical skills while creating new opportunities for physical activity and connection across the school.
Choose your next step based on your school’s context and available resources.
Choose two short activities and trial them across one year level or team.
Use basic equipment and printed prompts to make movement easier for staff.
Align professional learning, spaces and leadership support to embed active classrooms.
Each Key Priority Area includes implementation guidance, school examples and practical resources.
Embed movement into everyday learning.
Create inclusive opportunities for active play.
Encourage active journeys to and from school.
Deliver engaging, high-quality physical education.
Provide inclusive and meaningful school sport.
Create environments that make movement the easy choice.
Use the Resource Hub, explore school stories or connect with the Active Schools Expert Support Service to identify practical next steps.
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The Active Schools Toolkit has been developed for the Victorian Department of Education by Active Education Australia.
