Active Schools Toolkit

A Department of Education resource to support all Victorian Government Schools.

Active Education Australia

is the Department's contracted delivery partner of the Active Schools program.

Key Priority Area

Active Classrooms

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.

Where does Active Classrooms fit in?

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. 

Getting started

Planning

Taking action

Monitoring

Sustaining

Why this matters

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. 

Top 3 actions to get started

  1. Introduce regular breaks throughout the school day.
  2. Trial active learning strategies across different curriculum areas.
  3. Share practical Active Classrooms strategies at team meetings or Professional Learning Communities (PLC).

Making it inclusive

Ensure every student can participate by considering diverse needs, interests and learning styles.

This might include:

  • offering choice and varied movement options
  • adapting activities, space or equipment
  • creating calm or sensory-friendly movement breaks
  • using visual supports and clear routines
  • encouraging student voice and leadership

Sustainable practice

Make Active Classrooms part of everyday practice in a way that is sustainable:

  • Use existing classroom space and resources
  • Choose low or no-cost movement activities
  • Select durable, multipurpose equipment
  • Reduce waste and reuse materials
  • Support climate-resilient learning environments

See it in practice

Real stories from Victorian Schools

Primary School

Wodonga Middle Years College​

Explore how active breaks are helping students stay focused, engaged and ready to learn. 

Secondary School

Monterey Secondary College​

Discover how students led professional learning for staff, helping build understanding and support for Active Classrooms across the school. 

Specialist School

Kurnai College

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. 

Resources organised by need

Find the right tools and support to help you create more active classrooms

GET STUDENTS MOVING

Featured resources:

- GoNoodle
- Playmeo
- Action for Healthy Kids

TAKE LEARNING OUTDOORS

Featured resources:

- Parks Victoria
- Outdoor Classroom Day
- Outdoors Victoria

PLAN ACTIVE LEARNING

Featured resources:

- Transform Us
- Playmeo
- Active Classrooms Planning Guide

CONNECT LEARNING TO STEM

Featured resources:

- BioLab
- STEM and Human Performance

BUILD STAFF CAPACITY

Featured resources:

- Professional learning
- Research and evidence
- Implementation guides

Acknowledgements | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Contact 

The Active Schools Toolkit has been developed for the Victorian Department of Education by Active Education Australia. 

Key Priority Area

Active Classrooms

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.

Where does Active Classrooms fit in?

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. 

Getting started

Planning

Taking action

Monitoring

Sustaining

Why this matters

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. 

Top 3 actions to get started

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. 

Making it inclusive

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. 

Sustainable practice

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. 

See it in practice

Real stories from Victorian Schools

Primary School

Wodonga Middle Years College​

Explore how active breaks are helping students stay focused, engaged and ready to learn. 

Secondary School

Monterey Secondary College​

Discover how students led professional learning for staff, helping build understanding and support for Active Classrooms across the school. 

Specialist School

Kurnai College

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. 

Resources organised by need

Find the right tools and support to help you create more active classrooms

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. 

Discover how students led professional learning for staff, helping build understanding and support for Active Classrooms across the school. 

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. 

Acknowledgements | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Contact 

The Active Schools Toolkit has been developed for the Victorian Department of Education by Active Education Australia.