More Than a Game: Developing Movement, Confidence and Connection Through Squash Stars
Session Description
In an increasingly competitive and screen-focused world, educators are continually seeking innovative ways to engage students in meaningful physical activity while supporting their social, emotional and cognitive development. Squash Stars is more than just an introduction to a sport. It is a fun, inclusive and evidence-informed movement program designed to develop fundamental movement skills, confidence, decision-making and social connection among primary school-aged children.
This interactive session will explore how Squash Stars uses a Game Sense approach to create engaging learning experiences that align with educational outcomes and contemporary physical education practices. Participants will discover how the program supports student wellbeing, encourages participation from children of all abilities and backgrounds, and fosters a lifelong love of physical activity.
Importantly, the movement concepts, games and activities within Squash Stars are designed to be adaptable and can be delivered in a range of school environments, including classrooms, gymnasiums, outdoor spaces and school courts. The program does not rely on access to a squash court or specialist facilities, making it accessible for schools of all sizes and contexts.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how Squash Stars can be implemented within school settings using readily available spaces and equipment, learn about the resources available to teachers, and explore how the program provides an engaging and accessible approach to physical literacy, health and wellbeing. Whether you are a classroom teacher, PE specialist or school leader, this session will challenge traditional thinking about school sport and demonstrate how Squash Stars can help students move better, connect stronger and thrive both on and off the court.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the educational value of Squash Stars and how it supports the development of fundamental movement skills, physical literacy and lifelong participation in physical activity.
2. Identify the social, emotional and wellbeing benefits of Squash Stars, including its role in building confidence, resilience, teamwork and student connection.
3. Recognise how the Game Sense approach can be used to enhance student engagement, decision-making and learning outcomes within physical education settings.
4. Explore practical strategies for implementing Squash Stars within school environments, regardless of facility, experience or student ability levels.
5. Understand how Squash Stars supports inclusive participation, creating opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds, abilities and interests to engage in meaningful physical activity.
6. Identify pathways and resources available through Squash Australia to support schools, teachers and students in extending participation beyond the classroom.
7. Evaluate how innovative sporting programs can contribute to whole-child development, supporting educational, wellbeing and community engagement outcomes.
1. Understand the educational value of Squash Stars and how it supports the development of fundamental movement skills, physical literacy and lifelong participation in physical activity.
2. Identify the social, emotional and wellbeing benefits of Squash Stars, including its role in building confidence, resilience, teamwork and student connection.
3. Recognise how the Game Sense approach can be used to enhance student engagement, decision-making and learning outcomes within physical education settings.
4. Explore practical strategies for implementing Squash Stars within school environments, regardless of facility, experience or student ability levels.
5. Understand how Squash Stars supports inclusive participation, creating opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds, abilities and interests to engage in meaningful physical activity.
6. Identify pathways and resources available through Squash Australia to support schools, teachers and students in extending participation beyond the classroom.
7. Evaluate how innovative sporting programs can contribute to whole-child development, supporting educational, wellbeing and community engagement outcomes.
Curriculum Level
School Sport
Keywords
Active Play and Minor Games, Fundamental Movement Skills, Games and Sports, Inclusion
Presentation Type
Classroom Workshop
D
16