iAIM – Increasing Activity & Intelligent Minds
What is it?
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The Increasing Activity & Intelligent Minds (iAIM) program is about developing and sharing innovative tailored
strategies and approaches designed to make it easier for DDSW Primary and Secondary schools and teachers to
regularly incorporate physical activity for children during school time.
 The program is funded by the Queensland Department of Health for 2014 and 2015 and being implemented by the
Department of Education within the DDSW region under the banner of the “Physical Activity Innovation with Schools”
project.
Links and research
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The iAIM program aligns with the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for children
i.e. 60 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity a day; and reducing the amount of time sitting down and limiting
screen time.
 The program also aligns with the Australian Curriculum with clear links to the HPE learning area given the
emphasis the program will place on teaching students about the health benefits of physical activity; and links to
general capabilities including personal and social capability and ethical understanding.
 The iAIM program supports various Health and Education policies including: Australia the Healthiest Country By 2020
National Preventative Health Strategy; Department of Health Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians; Department
of Health National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health; Education Queensland’s Learning and Wellbeing
Framework; and Physical activity in State Schools Building Capacity.
 The iAIM program supports extensive research showing clear links between increased physical activity and student
learning outcomes including improved student behaviour, attention levels, health and wellbeing, attendance, and
personal and social awareness. Numerous studies worldwide have also found that physically fit students perform
better academically and that competent teachers can take time for physical activity from other subjects without risk
of hindering academic achievement.” (Strong et al 2005; Tomporowski et al 2005; Castelli et al 2007; Coe et al 2006;
Dwyer et al 1979, Dollman et al 2006; Shephard 1997; Trudeau et al 2008; Taras 2005)
How will the iAIM program benefit DDSW schools?
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The iAIM program will review the good practice already being implemented in schools around physical activity; as well
as pilot innovative physical activity approaches; and share findings with all schools in the region;
The iAIM program will include development of innovative resources and approaches to delivering physical activity;
The iAIM program will provide opportunities for collaboration including professional development opportunities.
What can schools do to get involved with iAIM? BECOME AN ACTION SCHOOL TODAY
Action School
Starter Pack
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Most schools will offer quality HPE and sport programs already; however, schools can work towards increasing their
physical activity offerings inside and outside of the classroom during curriculum time and also during breaks before
and during school time.
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While there is no mandated time for physical activity as part of the program, schools are encouraged to become iAIM
Active Schools by including a range of physical activity options in the school day (e.g. active literacy/numeracy
activities; active warm-ups; active classroom transitions; active breaks etc).
All DDSW Primary and Secondary schools are invited to get involved with iAIM.

What is the iAIM Action Schools program?
iAIM Action Schools are DDSW schools which make a commitment to regularly incorporate physical activity in the
school day because they recognise the benefits of physical activity for students’ health and wellbeing, academic
achievement, and behaviour, as well as a range of benefits for their school’s culture and partnerships with parents and the
wider community.
The iAIM Action Schools program provides DDSW schools with a range of support mechanisms to develop and
implement physical activity initiatives/programs including:
 A framework, process and tools for reviewing their current physical activity and planning and implementing an
action plan for new physical activity ideas/programs
 An online resource bank of strategies, case studies and physical activity lesson plans
 An online network (e-newsletter, social media, forum) to collaborate and share information, ideas and strategies
with colleagues across the DDSW region
 Professional development around implementing physical activity inside and outside of the classroom
The iAIM Action Schools program also acknowledges the existing good practice occurring in schools around delivery of
physical activityby showcasing school case studies in key communications. The iAIM Action Schools program also
rewards schools for completing steps along the way including access to resources, a certificate of participation, an allweather “IAIM Action School” commitment sign for use on the school front gate/other prominent location, and other
incentives.
Further information: iAIM.ddswr@downs-southwest.eq.edu.au Fax: (07) 4620 8300
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