Several initiatives have been implemented in schools throughout the Strait Region to promote student movement and physical activity throughout the school day, recognizing its positive impact on brain function and learning. One notable example is the Active Smarter Kids model, a curriculum delivery approach that integrates physical activity across all subjects and grade levels, in addition to Physical Education. Teachers have undergone training in this model, with many receiving equipment and resources to support its implementation in their classrooms. To further encourage movement throughout the school day, outdoor stencils and sensory paths have been installed in hallways. In addition, leadership groups have been established in certain schools, where older students are trained to lead physical activities and games for younger students while also assisting with conflict resolution.
Other options that have been introduced to evoke imaginative play, positive interactions with peers and movement throughout the school day include physical activity bins, sensory paths, adapted physical education, Kids Run club, leadership groups, and natural play spaces.
Through a variety of initiatives, there is a focus on strategies that target the whole school and increase physical activity throughout the whole day.
Nova Scotia Physical Activity Framework
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Education developed the Physical Activity Framework (PAF) for Nova Scotia Schools (2023) to guide Regional Centres for Education/Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, and school communities to support students by creating a culture of movement before, during and after school. The PAF is rooted in a health promoting schools approach, and is intended to be embedded throughout the school day, with a focus on key factors that affect the health and well-being of students:
Inclusive, Physically Active School Communities
- Ensure all students and school community members are included in being physically active, moving, and reducing sedentary behaviour.
Movement During the School Day
- Create opportunities for students to move more while learning indoors in all subject areas at all grade levels
Movement Before and After School
- Improve opportunities for students to move more through active school travel
Leadership, Collaboration, Capacity and Accountability
- The framework aligns with and enhances other initiatives focused on student health and well-being.
Visit the Physically Active Framework Resource page for more ideas within each focus area, as well as additional funding opportunities.
Health Promoting Schools Initiatives
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Developed offers funding to schools through the Healthy Schools Grant to support the implementation of the Physical Activity Framework (PAF). For the 2024-2025 school year, schools will receive $5000 + $1/student to support several initiatives under four categories:
- School Programs and Events
- Materials/Equipment/Supplies
- Active Field Trips
- Infrastructure/School Upgrades
With input from the school community and educational partners (e.g., students, parents, guardians, School Advisory Councils, educators, etc.), schools think strategically about how to utilize the funding in a way that benefits the entire school community.
For further information, school administration can refer to the link below and contact the Director of Programs and Student Services in the Regional Centre for Education for current applications and guidelines.
Healthy School Grants (Education and Early Childhood Development)
Innovation Grants
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development invites applications from School Advisory Councils for funding through Innovation Grants. A designated number of grants are available to each Regional Centre for Education on an annual basis. Funding up to $10,000 may be provided for projects that encourage new and innovative ideas to support student achievement and well-being . The grant may be combined with other available funding to support a project. This includes but is not limited to the annual funding received by SACs and the Healthy Schools Grant. SACs should note in their application any additional sources of funding that will be used to support the proposed project.
Successful Innovation Grant projects have included outdoor learning and recreation enhancements, green spaces, sensory paths, outdoor walking trails and movement in learning.
Guidelines for Innovation Grants can be found at the following link:
SAC Innovation Fund Application Guidelines
Contact the Programs and Student Services Department for current applications and eligibility criteria.