An exercise in imagination

Sponge sticks, tin cans, plastic bottles and old tires are not objects that you would usually associate with the lively and boisterous activities of a primary school physical education class.

However, one man's trash, as the saying goes, is another man's treasure. In some cases, that applies to teachers too, especially those named as winners in the Active Schools Innovation Awards. To them, such scrap objects can all be converted into practical teaching aids or sports equipment that engage students and facilitate a wide variety of games that both provide enjoyment and help to hone their bodies.

The awards are part of a charity program that aims to inspire primary schools and teachers to actively deliver creative PE classes that can foster the interest of their students in physical activity. Every year, 100 prizes are awarded for outstanding examples of primary school PE practices and the program provides some of the award-winning teachers with the opportunity to tour other countries where they can conduct exchanges with their overseas counterparts.