Physical Education and Health

In Physical Education and Health, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related and movement contexts.

Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area:

• Hauora – a Māori philosophy of well-being that includes the dimensions taha wairua, taha hinengaro, taha tinana, and taha whānau, each one influencing and supporting the others.

• Attitudes and values – a positive, responsible attitude on the part of students to their own well-being; respect, care, and concern for other people and the environment; and a sense of social justice.

• The socio-ecological perspective – a way of viewing and understanding the interrelationships that exist between the individual, others, and society.

• Health promotion – a process that helps to develop and maintain supportive physical and emotional environments and that involves students in personal and collective action.

Physical Education and Health is compulsory in Years 9 and 10. As students move into the senior school they can study Physical Education, Sport & Outdoor Education, or Sport & Leadership.

All senior courses have a balance of physical activity and theory.

The practical components of the Year 11 course include volleyball, lacrosse, rock climbing, kayaking, fitness training, sports performance and coaching. The theory sessions support these activities and also include anatomy, bio-mechanics and exercise physiology.

At Year 12 students study leadership, sociology, event management, risk management and mountain biking.  Students also undertake practical assessments in triathlon, lawn bowls and juggling.

At Year 13 students study golf, aerobics, swimming, fitness training, and outdoor pursuits.