Why is it free?

iPLAY is free for schools because a component of the program is a research project. We are hoping to help children become more active, motivated and engaged at school, and we can offer the program for free in schools who are willing to let us follow their students’ progress. The funding for the program and the research was provided by the NSW Department of Education and the National Health and Medical Research Council.

How many NESA hours do teachers receive?

Teachers that complete iPLAY will be provided with 14 NESA hours at proficient level. Leaders earn an extra 13 NESA hours at highly accomplished level.

What if our TPL calendar is full this year?

Your school can start iPLAY at the beginning of any school term. Some schools who want to do iPLAY but have a full schedule choose to start the program later in the year or early the following year so TPL can be spaced out for teachers.

Do we have to schedule more time for PE?

No, instead of increasing the time dedicated to PE, iPLAY has been designed to build teachers’ competencies and confidence in teaching PE. Our PE recommendations are aligned with the DoE guidelines, so no extra time is needed for physical activity classes.

Do we need to buy expensive equipment?

No, your iPLAY mentor will work with you on how to best utilise your existing sports equipment.

What will our teachers learn from iPLAY?

Teachers will learn how to improve the quality of PE and school sport during the iPLAY program. This is done via online modules, a two-hour workshop, and mentoring sessions. Topics include physically active homework, classroom energizers, and increasing student enjoyment and engagement.

What is an iPLAY leader?

Leaders are teachers that complete extra training to improve the physical activity culture within the school. This includes improving playgrounds to help children be more active, engaging parents in PE at home, and linking the school to local, community sport.

What does our school have to do?

Principals and teachers at your schools will complete a quick, 10-minute online survey. These will be completed before the iPLAY training commences, 12 months later and 24 months later. Stage 2 teachers are also asked to administer a similar online survey to their students at the same time intervals. Parents can opt out if they don’t want their children to complete the survey, but you won’t need to chase parents up for permission slips or consent forms.

What is an iPLAY mentor?

Each school will be provided with an iPLAY mentor. These are current or recently retired PDHPE specialist teachers. Teachers will have a 30-minute PE lesson observed by their iPLAY mentor. The mentor will then provide personal feedback on how to best improve their lessons.

How are mentors selected?

Mentors are selected based on their prior experience teaching PDHPE. All mentors complete additional, specific training before working with iPLAY schools.

Still have some questions?

If you would like to ask a question about the program you can either contact the iPLAY team via email on admin@iplay.org.au, via phone on 02 9701 4629, or in a no-obligation information session where we can answer your questions in detail. To set up an information session, please click here.

Want to sign up?

If you'd like to sign up, the next step involves a brief information session. To arrange one of these sessions, please click here.