Pathways and possibilities for sustainability education in the primary health and physical education curriculum

The recent release of the Australian Health and Physical Education (HPE) Curriculum provides a timely opportunity to consider the possibilities for a more integrated approach to teaching and learning for wellbeing in the 21st Century. Reflecting on case study research in three suburban school settings, this presentation examines how primary teachers’ and students’ narratives of outdoor school spaces can illuminate potential pathways for sustainability education and the HPE curriculum. Data collection consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews, as well as a series of children’s research sessions. Child-friendly methods, including drawing and still photography, were used to facilitate research conversations with students. A sense of connection with others, and with the natural and built environment was explored through the lens of outdoor active play. Despite the teachers’ support for increased outdoor experiences, the lack of time, resources, and capacity were identified as key barriers. These challenges will need to be navigated in order to implement the cross-curriculum priority area of sustainability and the HPE Curriculum in a way that fosters embodied learning experiences for students to establish deeper connections with the natural world for mindful living in the Anthropocene