Year 7 PDHPE experienced different fundamental skills such as running, striking with their hands, feet and bats. They loved the new ‘catchtail balls’ and the challenges they brought. They had an introduction to respectful relationships by participating in the one day Junior Love Bites workshop. They also learned to recognise the 5 components of health and the factors that affect them. The Safe and Sound unit covers all sorts of risks and how to minimise them, from technology, drugs, surf safety to how to stay safe in the sun. To enhance this knowledge, a guest speaker from the Melanoma Institute came and spoke to the boys about how to stay safer in the sun and detect potential skin cancers.

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Year 8 PDHPE students practised their basketball skills and took on AFL with gusto and learned that it probably originated from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander game called Marngrook.  In theory lessons they learned strategies to cope with and stop bullying. To complement this unit, they watched the Brainstorm production ‘Wired’ which is a thought provoking live performance that challenges students to reflect on cyberbullying, values and the responsible use of technology. They also continued to experience stress management techniques and wellbeing skills.

Year 9 PDHPE challenged stereotypes by experiencing wheelchair basketball and listening to a guest speaker talk about how he lives with disability and the challenges this creates. Our prac lessons such as blind athletics, seated volleyball, blind soccer, ‘on the knees’ table tennis and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games also enhanced the theory by increasing awareness of diversity in order to avoid discrimination, harassment and vilification.

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Year 9 PASS learned how to analyse and appraise fad diets or physical activity regimes. They were also encouraged to design their own nutrition plan. They examined the contribution and impact of technology in sport. They were also wonderful ambassadors for our subject by helping the local and school communities by assisting with administration, refereeing and officiating at numerous primary school gala days and swimming carnivals.

Year 10 PDHPE spent more time learning how to develop and maintain respectful relationships. They also examined the extent and causal factors of road traffic crashes and how to respect others on the road. The boys were fortunate to travel to Sydney to take part in the bStreetsmart forum. This is a hard hitting, realistic view on road safety and the consequences of being reckless. The boys also got to try some experiential activities such as seeing the effects of alcohol through wearing ‘beer’ goggles and trying to hit a target. Real life education tips on what to look for when buying their first car, such as bald tyres, breaking systems, air bags, crumple zones etc.

10 PASS took on the difficult task of anatomy and physiology and the Body Systems and Energy for Physical Activity. This term saw the students participate in and learn about strategies and techniques that could be used to enhance performance.

Year 11 Outdoor Recreation VET course students completed their ‘Apply First Aid’ certificate and continued their fun with their 4 day camp. The boys and girls caught the Palm Beach Ferry from Ettalong, did a learn to surf lesson, before paddling kayaks across to The Basin. They had to set up tents, cook their own meals and then participate in fishing, hiking and mountain biking. It was an awesome adventure and Mr Summerhayes and Mrs Henderson loved leading the students on this experience. This topped off a great course where they also participated in a hike in Bouddi National Park, kayaking on the Brisbane Water and completing a basic water rescue at Gosford pool. I wish I was one of those students!

Year 11 PDHPE continued their investigation into the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems and how they influence body movement and efficiency. This term saw them analyse what health means to individuals, what influences their health and various health promotion initiatives. They also experienced their first 2 hour examination for PDHPE. They gained their First Aid Certificate with Central Coast First Aid Training. They will gain valuable life skills with experienced presenters who work on the frontline as Paramedics, Fire Fighters or Lifeguards.

11SLR participated in netball and hockey units and other games and sports. These boys and girls know how to have fun and enjoy some robust friendly competition banter during practical lessons

Year 12 PDHPE finished their course with plenty of time to study. They consolidated their knowledge of the syllabus by attending The Big Day Out for PDHPE in Sydney, which showcased guest speakers from various sports and health organisations. We wish them all the best for their future and hope their HSC results are what they worked for and deserved.

Year 12 SLR had fun trying their hand at golf, archery, badminton and table tennis. They just couldn’t get enough of any sport. A friendly rivalry game to finish off their school years.

Some fantastic, fun, relevant excursions and incursions to finish the year! What’s still to come?

Year 12 SLR:  Aquatics at Gosford Pool (Oct/Nov) – Analysing a person’s stroke and correcting the technique.

Year 7 PDHPE: Water Safety at Gosford Pool (Nov) – performing life saving techniques to rescue themselves and others.

Year 10 PASS: Raw Challenge (Nov) – an obstacle course looking at fitness and FUN in the mud.

Year 10 PDHPE: Love Bites (Nov) – a one day workshop on respectful relationships.

Year 10 PDHPE:  Mock Interviews (Nov) –  during the Year 10 Activities weeks. One of the most life relevant experiences, an interview with employers from the ADF and local communities. Mrs Dignam has organised these interviews along with other life relevant activities such as work experience, Care of Country excursion and many others.

Year 9 PASS: Snorkelling and hiking – a great day at Bouddi National Park, fitness, care for environment, games and chilling.

Another full and engaging year in PDHPE. Life skills and knowledge to keep us healthy, safe and happy. Thanks to the PDHPE staff for delivering these courses over the year.