Health & Physical Education ___________________Page

It has been another highly successful and productive year, punctuated by changes that have enhanced the Health and Physical Education department. The first of these changes was a renewed focus on enhancing the student’s ability to participate successfully in physical activity. Boys were given a comprehensive practical program with everything from team sports like Gaelic Football and Ultimate Disc to individual activities such as Golf and Swimming. Outdoor and Environmental Studies continued to grow with close to 400 boys from years 9-12 participating. There were many chances for students to experience the challenges that outdoor environments can offer. This year saw the purchase of a class set of mountain bikes. Students were able to develop practical bike skills and to further explore local areas such as the You Yangs and The Great Otway National Park. Another exciting development was the introduction of a VET Sport and Recreation program. The course enabled students to focus on the skills needed to work in the sport and recreation industry and to gain a Certificate III qualification. The units covered in the subject allowed the boys to take part in a fantastic range of activities including, surfing, rock climbing, ocean kayaking, mountain biking (Otway National Park) and hiking (Wilson’s Promontory). New practical assessment criterions were introduced which challenged students and teachers to concentrate on three new focus areas. The first, “Acquiring skills” focused on how well the students were able to learn and display fundamental motor skills. “Applying skills” measured the student’s level of participation, use of strategy and ability to produce skills in performance based situations. The final focus was “Listening Viewing and Responding” which concentrated on the student’s ability to listen to instruction and feedback and use this information to improve performance. Information technology continued to be of significance, this year many students were given the chance to use catapult GPS units. The GPS devices tracked the performance of student athletes using the same cutting edge technology currently utilised by their professional sporting heroes. The purchase of a new set of iPads enabled students to use Apps like ‘Coach’s Eye’ which allowed them to easily create and edit video of their technical performances and analyse the biomechanics involved. VCE students where given the chance to visit the “Bio-Lab” for the first time. During this fantastic program students participated in various fitness tests with heart rate, tidal volume, skin temperature, respiratory rate and V02 max being measured and displayed simultaneously with the latest wireless, digital, technology. Thank you to the students and staff who have organised or taken part in the programs mentioned above. Without your hard work, effort and enthusiasm the great achievements of 2013 would not have been possible.

Luke O’Grady - Health and Physical Education Coordinator, Nick Jones - Health and Physical Education Coordinator & Mark Rayson - Outdoor and Environmental Studies Coordinator WHAT THE BOYS THOUGHT

I have thoroughly enjoyed Physical Education. The teachers were fantastic with helping all the students in perfecting the skills and enjoying all the sports that we played. Some of my favourites included gaelic football, softball and touch football. These were all great fun. The teachers knew about the sports and were able to give us coaching about the skills required to play the games, and also taught us the basic rules necessary to play the games properly.

Hugh McMahon - Year 8

In VCE Outdoor and Environmental studies this year we have been to many outdoor environments, viewing the unique environment that Australia possesses. We went on numerous camps, to places such as the Otways for kayaking, surfing and snorkelling and to Mount Hotham to ski and snowboard the slopes. We also went on an excursion to the Otway fly to witness the impact of tourism. We participated in a “See All Dolphin Tours” trip in Port Phillip Bay where we experienced firsthand the environmental risks associated with dredging of the bay. We have gained a greater understanding of Australia’s unique natural environment and why it is vital to preserve this for future generations. Thank you to all the teachers for making this subject and the experiences we had possible.

Lachie Ansell - Year 12

“VCE Physical Education has been a fun and enjoyable experience throughout the year. Our excursion to the Biolab in Belmont was very interesting and gave us the opportunity to take part in a variety of different tests including the V02 Max. The tests appealed to many of the boys with measurements such as lung capacity and core temperature being taken. The understanding of Physical Education helps emphasise the importance of being physically and mentally healthy which benefi ts everyone.”

Bailey Biggs - Year 10