Physical Education
Physical Education syllabus is developmental and becomes increasingly complex across the four units. In Unit 1, students develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles underpinning their learning of movement sequences and how they can enhance movement from a biomechanical perspective. In Unit 2, students broaden their perspective by determining the psychological factors, barriers and enablers that influence their performance and engagement in physical activity. In Unit 3, students enhance their understanding of factors that develop tactical awareness and influence ethical behaviour of their own and others’ performance in physical activity. In Unit 4, students explore energy, fitness and training concepts and principles to optimise personal performance.
Students learn experientially through three stages of an inquiry approach to ascertain relationships between the scientific bases and the physical activity contexts. Students recognise and explain concepts and principles about and through movement and demonstrate and apply body and movement concepts to movement sequences and movement strategies. Through their purposeful and authentic experiences in physical activities, students gather, analyse and synthesise data to devise strategies to optimise engagement and performance. They evaluate and justify strategies about and in movement by drawing on informed, reflective decision-making.
Sport and Recreation
Sport and recreation activities are a part of the fabric of Australian life and are an intrinsic part of Australian culture. These activities can encompass social and competitive sport, aquatic and community recreation, fitness and outdoor recreation. For many people, sport and recreation activities form a substantial component of their leisure time. Participation in sport and recreation can make positive contributions to a person’s wellbeing.
Sport and recreation activities also represent growth industries in Australia, providing many employment opportunities, many of which will be directly or indirectly associated with hosting Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The skills developed in Sport & Recreation may be oriented toward work, personal fitness or general health and wellbeing. Students will be involved in learning experiences that allow them to develop their interpersonal abilities and encourage them to appreciate and value active involvement in sport and recreational activities, contributing to ongoing personal and community development throughout their lives.
Sport is defined as activities requiring physical exertion, personal challenge and skills as the primary focus, along with elements of competition. Within these activities, rules and patterns of behaviour governing the activity exist formally through organisations. Recreation activities are defined as active pastimes engaged in for the purpose of relaxation, health and wellbeing and/or enjoyment and are recognised as having socially worthwhile qualities. Active recreation requires physical exertion and human activity. Physical activities that meet these classifications can include active play and minor games, challenge and adventure activities, games and sports, lifelong physical activities, and rhythmic and expressive movement activities.
Active participation in sport and recreation activities is central to the learning in Sport & Recreation. Sport & Recreation enables students to engage in sport and recreation activities to experience and learn about the role of sport and recreation in their lives, the lives of others and the community.
Engagement in these activities provides a unique and powerful opportunity for students to experience the challenge and fun of physical activity while developing vocational, life and physical skills.