PDHPE

Vanessa Henderson

Another interesting year with steep learning curves and constant adjustments and readjustments through home based learning for all concerned. Even with the disruption to study and school, our 2021 PDHPE HSC cohort made strong learning gains. Thank you to Mr Summerhayes, Mr Powell who along with myself put in many hours of planning, research and marking throughout the course and HSC period. We are proud of the fact we have Mr Bonnici in the department, staying in touch with face to face (and online) teaching. Mr Streeting and Mr Ellis have new knees to make practical lessons a lot less painful and Mr Carpenter continues to run the representative sport while enthusing his PDHPE and SLR students.

Most students coped well with the PDHPE online theory lessons and some thrived with the more independent style of learning. Practical challenges were set for students in Years 7-10 and it was fun to see the practical activities students engaged in. Some of the videos and photographic evidence of their physical activity were entertaining. The most popular activities appeared to be mountain biking, surfing, football, walking the dog, home gym activities and basketball. However, there were some other interesting activities like spear fishing, washing the parent’s car and drumming. Some boys definitely ended up fitter than before the lockdown.

Year 7 began the year learning about changes, challenges and relationships during adolescence and reinforced this content by watching the Brainstorm Production of The Hurting Game. They began the year experiencing a gymnastics unit and then analysed and compared their own physical activity and eating to healthy guidelines and prepared for the College Athletics Carnival through a Track and Field unit. Fortunately, this year they got to put their skills to the test at the carnival. They finished the year by experiencing fundamental striking, catching and sequencing

Year 10 at RYDA

skills and reinforced positive behaviours in relation to drugs, sun and water safety. Unfortunately, the students were unable to participate in a planned water survival skills day due to ongoing COVID restrictions around excursions.

Year 8 explored the notion of risk taking, mental health issues including bullying and developed protective strategies to counter and cope with these situations. Unfortunately the students missed out due to COVID on the thought-provoking Brainstorm Production of Cyberia which involves a live theatre program addressing online safety and relationships. Practical experiences were provided in European Handball, Lacrosse, AFL and basketball.

Health, safety, wellbeing, media and nutrition marketing as well as fitness circuits and gymnastics were covered in Term 1 in Year 9 PDHPE. The boys were interested in their social media footprint and prepared for the athletics carnival in their track and field unit. Challenging stereotypes was the theme for Term 3. Media influences on self, sexuality and physical activity were explored along with practical, inclusive sports. Year 9 were able to participate in the Brainstorm The Hurting Game production addressing our Term 4 unit on risk taking and the influences of technology on social behaviour.

The importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, understanding diversity and how to overcome adversity was investigated in Year 10. Students participated in a respectful relationships unit and ended the year investigating road safety issues. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, the Year 10 Mock Interview experience had to be pared back this year, with the boys participating in ‘Virtual’ Interviews with each other as it was too difficult logistically to use employers from our community. Thanks to Mrs Dignam for her work and expertise in the Careers unit that was ongoing throughout the year and has helped prepare students for their after school pathways.

Physical Activity and Sports Studies students in Years 9 and 10 went into further depth in sporting issues, the biomechanics of movement, nutrition and how it relates to physical activity. They were also able to complete the Beginning Coaching Course online, investigate the impact of

Year 12 Archery Brainstorm Production Year 11 Expedition

PDHPE

technology on sport and plan for an outdoor challenge. Year 9 studied the history of Australia’s sporting identity while Year 10 analysed, through survey results, how much physical activity and sedentary screen time they participate in and then compared it with the Australian guidelines.

Senior PDHPE students learned about health priorities for individuals in Australia, factors that affect and improve performance. They also studied the body in motion along with sports medicine and achieved their Apply First Aid Certificate. Year 11 experienced a one day outdoor recreation expedition as part of their course option incorporating mountain biking, rogaining, intriguing hieroglyphics and kayaking in and around the Brisbane Water National Park. Year 12 consolidated their understanding of the HSC course by attending The Big Day Out for PDHPE lecture style seminars and were lucky enough to meet Matt Graham, the Mogul Skier Olympian from the Central Coast. Year 12 were given the ‘bonus’ opportunity of having an ‘extra term’ at school with Mr Gentle and myself, the only year group to attend school for 5 terms! We hope they perform well after such a long time of online learning.

The Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation students studied and participated in athletics, netball, hockey and coaching activities while Year 12 SLR enjoyed practical aquatics activities at the pool, resistance training, archery and golf. They studied the theory of badminton, bocce, croquet and table tennis but due to COVID restrictions were unable to participate in the practical components. Our faculty is looking forward to the introduction of the Outdoor Recreation course for Year 11 students in 2022. Mr Gentle, assisted by Mr Summerhayes and Mrs Henderson are busily programming and preparing for the adventures. Another introduction was made this year with the welcome arrival of a new baby for Ms Elliott who has taken maternity leave replaced by Mrs Worrall who is another welcome addition to the PDHPE crew.

The PDHPE staff were set up well to cope with online home-based learning during the COVID crisis. Thank you to the PDHPE staff including our amazing casual staff who provide relevant, engaging and health inspiring educational opportunities. Your camaraderie and support for each other is what makes us a great team.

Year 11 Expedition