Physical Education
Rationale
The Physical Education department places a focus on hauora, the overall development and well-being of the student. This encompasses the physical, social, spiritual and emotional well-being of our students, in a physical and outdoor context.
Physical Education promotes learning in, through and about movement. At South Otago High School we ensure that all students are provided with the opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.
At junior level, learning is achieved through: movement, skills, developing relationships and problem solving activities.
At senior level, the focus is on providing: knowledge, skills and understanding for possible career pathways.
Graduates of Physical Education have a variety of career paths to choose from, such as the fire services, defence forces and police, to professional employment as physiotherapists, teachers and many sports related fields.
We are a well resourced school. The PE department has 2 gymnasiums, a weights room, 2 squash courts, an Astroturf, along with court and field space.
Subjects Taught
Physical Education: Years 9-13
Sport and Recreation: Year 12
Outdoor Education: Year 12
Year 9 Physical Education
2 periods per week is set aside for Physical Education. Students work through a variety of units, that cover a broad range of sports, for example, athletics, dance, gymnastics, basketball, hockey and fitness testing.
Students have a set PE uniform, consisting of a navy polo top and navy pants/shorts.
Year 10 Physical Education
2 periods per week is set aside for Year 10 Physical Education and this builds on what the students have covered the previous year. Typical units are: ABL, volleyball, weight and circuit training, court games and cricket.
The same uniform as Year 9 is worn - navy polo t shirt and navy pants/shorts.
Year 11 Physical Education
This course offers students the opportunity to experience and participate in a wide range of physical activities, in a variety of contexts. Students study how the body moves and responds to physical activity, as well as developing their interpersonal skills in a variety of settings. The main focus of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to maintain and develop their personal well-being, both now and in the future.
Features of this course are:
- 6 Physical Education Achievement Standards offered
- 24 Credits available
- Completely internally assessed
- A balance of practical and theory work
Theory:
- Hellison’s Social Responsibility Model
- Body Structure and Function
- Fitness Studies
- Hauora/Well-being
Year 12 Physical Education
The achievement standards undertaken in this course of study are all internally assessed. This course involves both theory and practical components, and students who select this course of study need to make a commitment to actively engage in both components. The course builds on the components covered in Year 11. Students participate in a wide range of activities e.g. swimming, skiing/snowboarding, golf, Kiwisport leadership.
Features of this course are:
- 8 Physical Education Achievement Standards offered
- 24 Credits available
- Completely internally assessed
- A balance of practical and theory work
- Ski trip to Remarkables ski field
At Year 12 level we also offer a Sport and Recreation programme, in which 2 Units Standards are covered.
Year 12 Outdoor Education
This a popular subject choice and due to the nature of the class, we limit numbers to 25 students. Students in this class participate in a variety of outdoor activities, such as, snow caving, rock climbing, kayaking and tramping. The course is all internal and students cover 6 Unit Standards throughout the year.
Year 13 Physical Education
The Year 13 Physical Education course provides learning experiences that promote an understanding of the need for a physically active and healthy lifestyle. These learning experiences should also develop the understandings and skills which underpin successful physical activity and encourage continued participation in the future. Some would say it is a time to put the theory of Year 12 into practice, and that is what Year 13 strives to do.
Features of this course are:
- 6 Physical Education Achievement Standards offered
- 24 Credits available
- Completely internally assessed
- A balance of practical and theory work
Aims:
- Learn through participation in a variety of physical activities.
- Acquire and develop physical skills
- Develop knowledge of the principles that influence the acquisition and performance of physical skills.
- Examine the relationships between physical activity and well-being – Hauora.
- Evaluate the issues and developments that influence the role of physical activity in our society.
- Develop personal and social skills and attitudes that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Physical Education department staff
Kim Fairbrother: HOD
Glen Ward
Anna O’Sullivan
Fiona Lindsay
Gareth Hore: Junior Physical Education