© Copyright 2005. AEROSkools
 
 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In April 2001 the Federal Government launched its new sports policy "Backing Australia's Sporting Ability - a More Active Australia". It provided an unprecedented funding commitment for sport over four years. As a result of the new policy a Targeted Participation Growth Program was introduced involving a number of sports in stage one of the program. Gymnastics Australia was selected to receive special support, under the Active Australia banner, to grow its business through new program initiatives. The aim of the program is to achieve significant growth in the number of people of all ages participating in grass roots sport, while ensuring pathways exist to provide for movement from grass roots participation through to the elite levels.

Gymnastics Australia received support to launch the
AEROSkools Program. AEROSkools is a Sport Aerobics
participation program delivered within schools by teachers or
qualified fitness instructors, supported by an event scheme that
enables students to also become members of Gymnastics Australia.

The objective of AEROSkools is to establish a Sport Aerobics
schools competition at a state and national level based on
Gymnastics Australia's existing National Levels Program
(now re-branded as the AEROSkools Program). AEROSkools is aimed at children and youth (males and females) aged between 7 - 18 years of age within the government, private and denominational school system.

Gymnastics Australia ensures the following operating principles are adopted in delivering the program to schools across Australia:

The AEROSkools Program is:
• of an introductory and beginner level to ensure positive and safe experiences
• safe, fun, challenging and fundamental for the overall growth and development of participants
• emphasising the importance of movement competence and confidence over difficulty
• promoted and aimed to primarily build skills through development of muscular strength, flexibility,
• aimed at teaching body control, tension and proper body preparation to reduce injury risks
• a sound basis for further skill development across all sports and life in general
• gender inclusive
• promoting and supporting the enduring values of fair play, self improvement and achievement
• in-line with the National Statement and Profile within Health and Physical Education
• conducted accredited Fitness Instructors, Sport Aerobics Coaches or School Teachers

THE AEROSKOOLS PROGRAM

The AEROSkools program is based on an existing resource
called the Sport Aerobics National Levels Program (SANLP).
Research told Gymnastics Australia that Sport Aerobics was
perceived as too technical and too difficult to implement in a
school environment without specific Sport Aerobics knowledge.

AEROSkools requires no previous knowledge or experience
on behalf of either the teacher or student(s) and provides a
sequential program of skill development over three separate
levels (ie Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3).

The AEROSkools Kit includes:-

1. A DVD (illustrating each of the Levels Routines)
2. A CD (containing all four tracks of Music)
3. A set of Choreography Notes (a count by count explanation of the Movements (arm and leg patterns) incorporated into each Level routine)

Level 1 - involves the student learning a "compulsory Sport Aerobics" routine, that focuses on basic Sport Aerobics movement patterns and presentation skills. No choreography is required on behalf of either the teacher or the student(s). The routine may be performed as a trio (3 team members) or a group (4 - 6 team members).

Level 2 and 3 - involves the student learning a "compulsory Sport Aerobics" routine, that increases in complexity of choreography, whilst continuing to develop basic Sport Aerobics movement patterns and presentation skills. These routines allows students to compose their own 32-counts of choreography and incorporate this into the routine. The routine may be performed as a trio (3 team members) or a group (4 - 6 team members).

Additional routines will be released at the start of each new school year, to ensure that students and teachers choosing to participate in the program on an ongoing basis, are provided with some variety. Any of the routine versions may be utilized at competitions.

AEROSKOOLS PROGRAM - 2006 AND BEYOND

1. An updated AEROSkools Kit (Release 8) is now available from Gymnastics Australia. This Kit contains four new routines that can be used in 2008 AEROSkools events. The kit is available for sale through Gymnastics Australia's GymShop for $60. Click here to download order form

2. In 2008 only 2005 to 2008 routines will be used in State and National AEROSkools events.

3. In 2006 and beyond the same skills will be in each level routine. Click here for a list of skills. These amendments will also be noted in the Levels manual.

The National Co-ordinator - Karon Williams, is the first point of contact for all inquiries regarding the AEROSkools Program. State Consultants will work on an "as needed basis" to service schools and clubs that require assistance with their participation.

4. State AEROSkools Championships will be conducted by State Gymnastic Association in conjunction with their State Sport Aerobics Managment Committee. For a list of 2008 events, please click here

Amendments to the AEROSkools Levels Choreography

To coincide with the new changes to the AEROSkools routines, some of the routines from the 2005 release may have been slightly modified.

If you plan to use a routine from 2005 please click on the links below and download the choreography notes. Some changes have been made to the routines to ensure each Level routine has the same number and types of skill.

Teachers should continue utilising the DVD as a teaching tool however the modified notes below are the final choreography for which the routine should be learnt from.