At Ross Park Primary School in Alice Springs, Jump Rope for Heart did more than get students moving. It helped build confidence, encouraged students to try something new and created a positive school-wide atmosphere that extended well beyond PE lessons.
For PE teacher Jess, bringing Jump Rope for Heart to Ross Park was an opportunity to continue a program the school had enjoyed in previous years while putting his own stamp on it in a new role.
"Our school has participated in Jump Rope for Heart on and off for the last few years. I had just moved into my current role and wanted to give it a go," he said.
A program where every student can succeed
One of the biggest impacts Jess noticed was seeing students develop confidence as the program progressed.
"A lot of students who originally said they couldn't or didn't want to skip ended up being a lot more involved in the program and liked learning the new tricks presented."
For Jess, one of the greatest strengths of Jump Rope for Heart is its ability to engage every student, regardless of their sporting ability.
"It's something all students can get involved in. They do not have to be a sport superstar," he explained.
"It gives those students who maybe don't always get to shine an opportunity to show their skills off. It's an activity where they only have to compete against themselves, not worry about anyone else."
This aligns perfectly with Jump Rope for Heart's goal of helping schools build healthy, active habits while creating inclusive opportunities for every child to participate.
Practical resources that make life easier
Like many teachers, Jess was looking for a program that was easy to implement and flexible enough to fit into a busy school schedule.
As a first-year PE teacher, he found the teaching resources invaluable.
"I had only moved into the PE role this year and was so unsure of what and how to teach Jump Rope. The activity and trick booklet was an amazing resource to use."
He also appreciated the flexibility of the program.
"It's flexible with the amount of time you want to give it. I'm the PE teacher and obviously spent a lot longer doing the program. However, teachers on class would use the skipping ropes for brain breaks or fitness breaks."
Creating a culture of movement
One of the most memorable outcomes wasn't just what happened during class time, but what happened outside of it.
Students became so enthusiastic about skipping that they chose to keep practising during recess and lunch breaks.
"It was awesome that my Year 3 students took ownership of looking after the skipping ropes for the school," Jess said.
"They would make sure they were out every recess and lunch and ensure everything was properly packed up and put away."
With music playing and students from different year levels skipping together, the playground took on an entirely different energy.
"We had so many students skipping at recess and lunch with music going that it set a real vibe. Seeing students from all different year levels showing their tricks and helping each other was amazing."
Jess’ advice for schools considering Jump Rope for Heart
For schools thinking about joining Jump Rope for Heart, Jess’ message is simple:
"Give it a crack. It can't hurt. The kids really enjoy the skipping and pairing it with some music creates a really good vibe at your school. Kids will want to do extra at recess and lunch."
When asked to sum up the impact of the program in just three words, his answer was: Confidence. Motivating. Engaging.
For Ross Park Primary School, those three words capture exactly what Jump Rope for Heart is all about: helping students build healthy habits, discover new skills and experience the joy of being active together.
Ready to create your own Jump Rope for Heart success story?
Like Ross Park Primary, you can bring students together through fun, movement and healthy habits, with flexible resources and support every step of the way.
