Physical Education and Health
Health and Physical Education is a unique discipline which aims to improve students' social emotional, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. It seeks to develop a well-balanced person who is prepared for life experiences and who can adjust to the demands of the adjusting world.
Health Education is about understanding and valuing one's personal identity and development and the need for positive relationships. Students who understand and value themselves as individuals feel connected to places and as members of groups, have the capacity to form and cope with changes to relationships, exercise control over their own lives and show resilience through life's challenges.
Health Education is about developing students' capacity to make decisions and act in ways that promote their health and that of others. In order to take action to promote health, students need to understand and develop ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This involves the development of skills in decision making, planning, risk management and problem-solving, as well as the ability to access relevant health information and services. Students also need to understand health and lifestyle issues that are likely to affect them and the community, now and in the future.
Physical Education focuses on the important role physical activity plays in the lives of all students by providing opportunities for personal growth, enjoyment and challenge. It promotes the value of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in a manner that reflects awareness that everyone has the right to participate in an active lifestyle.
Health and Physical Education is compulsory for Years 7-10. In the senior years students have the option to choose an elective subject (Outdoor Education, Advanced Outdoor Education, PANTHERS (Boys Leadership program) , ELEMENTS (Girls Leadership Program), Sports Studies and Sports Science), on top of participating in core Health and Physical Education.
The core units of Physical Education, such as athletics, dance, cross country and fitness are completed each year. There is an expectation that students will be able to demonstrate a certain level of skill and knowledge at the conclusion of each year. This allows staff to build on students' prior knowledge and ability and extend students from year to year.