Outdoor Education
Senior Physical Education Courses
Year 11 Physical Education A
Introduction
In this 12 credit course students have four periods a week, presenting them
with the opportunity to experience and develop physical, personal and social
skills in a wide range of physical activities.
Content and Skills
The course is covered in three modules of work: Let’s Get Active, Sports
Education and Managing Personal Fitness. The first two are assessed using NCEA
Achievement Standards and the third using a Unit Standard.
Year 11 Physical Education B
Introduction
In this 21 credit course students have four periods a week, presenting them
with the opportunity to participate in a variety of individual and team
activities.
Content and Skills

They will study a range of concepts related to physical performance, personal
well-being/hauora, interpersonal skills, cooperation and social responsibility
within a team environment. These activities are designed to enable them to:
achieve their potential in physical growth and development, improve their
health and fitness, develop a wide range of motor skills and learn the
importance of social responsibility and cooperation in a team. Above all they
will gain a better understanding of the importance of being physically active
and have an appreciation of he opportunities for physical activity they can
become involved in to develop and maintain an enjoyable and healthy lifestyle.
Year 12 Physical Education
Introduction
This course covers a wide range of both theoretical and practical learning
experiences, from exercise science through to outdoor education. Students will
have the opportunity to develop their personal health and physical development.
They will seek to develop and apply principles of motor skill learning. As
well, they will be required to take roles of responsibility in both a coaching
and outdoor education setting.
Content
Exercise Science
- Functional anatomy - the study of the skeletal and muscular systems and
how they work in relation to physical activity.
- Exercise physiology.
- Fitness studies - the study of fitness and methods of training - what is
required to train and follow a fitness training programme.
Outdoor Education
- Risk management principles and practices associated with the
outdoors.
- Kayaking - 2 day camp with practical skills.
- Tramping - 3 day camp with students organising what is necessary to go
tramping in the NZ outdoors. Sports Education
- Kiwi Sport coaching - application of coaching and motorskill learning to
the coaching of primary school children.
- Sports nutrition - foods that help or hinder your performance - personal
diet assessment.
Year 13 Physical Education
Introduction
This course provides learning experiences that promote an understanding of the
need for a physically active and healthy lifestyle. The emphasis is very much
on personal skill development and independent study towards an understanding of
individual and group needs in physical education, sport, health and recreation.
Content and Skills
- Lifestyle Concepts - the students examine the principles of exercise and
develop a personal exercise programme through planning, implementation,
monitoring and assessment
- Aquatics - students apply bio¬mechanical principles of flotation and
propulsion to all basic swimming strokes, personal survival and rescue
techniques in theory and practice
- Sports Education - the students focus on the development of skills and
their applications in a variety of settings. In particular knowledge and
performance of golf and korfball. Students will develop:
- an understanding of anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics,
principles of training, motor learning and nutrition
- practical skills in swimming, rescue techniques and golf.
Year 13 Outdoor Pursuits
Introduction
The emphasis is on developing skills and knowledge in a range of outdoor
pursuits to provide an opportunity for personal and social growth and
development, and to develop an understanding and appreciation of the natural
environment. The course offers an excellent opportunity for students to develop
a wide range of skills and to gain credit for their achievements through
Recreation Unit Standards curriculum.
Content and Skills
Sixteen Level 1and 2 Unit Standards are spread throughout the four terms with
each unit having a theory and practical component. The course is largely based
at school but has a field trip component which is necessary to develop and
apply the skills learnt in class and for assessment purposes. The course
requires a large time and financial commitment by students because of the
nature of the field trips and the types of outdoor activities undertaken.
Year 13 Sports Science
Introduction
The emphasis is on personal development through sport and activity.
Participants are expected to develop a range of life skills through practical
involvement in sport and coaching, and in community projects. The course will
provide specialised qualifications such as the C.A.N.Z. Level 1 Certificate and
Getting Started Coaching Certificate, for those interested in employment in the
health and fitness industry.
Content and Skills
The course is divided into modules which include: training principles and
techniques, fitness assessment, weight training, programme design, skill
development, injury management, sports nutrition, sports psychology, leadership
skills, practical coaching experience and life-long fitness requirements.
The students are expected to have:
- a personal philosophy on sport as a science
- an ability to assess fitness components and judge results
- a physiological understanding of the training process
- an understanding of injury treatment
- an understanding of the role of the coach
- an awareness of sports nutrition
- an insight into mental training through sports psychology
- a willingness to devote time to practical coaching and organising
competitions
- personal leadership and practical skills.