Our school is taking part in a study entitled: Built Environment and Active Transport to School: BEATS-2 Study.

The BEATS-2 Study investigates transport to school habits, the neighbourhood environment and physical activity of Dunedin students aged 13 to 18 years. The study will survey students at our school. Detailed information for parents is provided on the BEATS Study website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/beats/participants/parents/index.html.

As a school, we are concerned with the health and lifestyle of all of our students and believe that this study will yield important results that will help us to create a healthy school environment. We would therefore like to encourage our Y9-13 students to consider taking part in this study. We do want to emphasise, however, that there is no obligation to take part and if students decide not to participate, they will not be disadvantaged in any way.

The study research team will be visiting the College in September 2021 to deliver a study survey to students and perform measurements. The student survey and focus groups will be conducted at our school. Students can also choose to participate in a focus group and wear an activity meter for 7 days.

Students will also receive an information package about the BEATS-2 Student Survey at our school. Please review the BEATS-2 Student Survey information and discuss it with your daughter. An information sheet for parents is available on the following link: https://www.otago.ac.nz/beats/otago716859.pdf

All students wishing to participate in this study will need to sign a consent form. Parental consent is not required for students. However, if you do not wish your daughter to take part in this study, please inform the school office.

Please feel free to contact the BEATS Study Coordinator if you have further questions regarding this study (phone: 03 479 5461; e-mail: beats@otago.ac.nz). If you have any concerns or questions about the school’s involvement in this study, please feel free to get in touch with Mrs Harris.