Glen Waverley Primary School Specialist Newsletter

Physical Education

Welcome and overall learning area summary  

 

We hope all our families had a wonderful Easter holiday break, feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting term ahead in Physical Education. Term 2 is packed with major events that will challenge and inspire our students. Our Year 6 students will take to the courts and fields for Winter Interschool Sports, competing against local schools in a range of team sports. District Cross Country will see our top runners push their endurance and determination as they race against the best in the area. Basketball enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to showcase their skills in Hoop Time, a fantastic event that promotes teamwork and game strategy. Alongside these exciting competitions, students will continue developing their skills, fitness, and sportsmanship through engaging PE lessons. We’re looking forward to a fantastic term of learning, competition, and fun!  

  

Important dates

  • Year 6 Winter Interschool Sports – Friday mornings of Weeks 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10  
  • Waverley Central District Cross Country – Monday 12th May  
  • Monash-Waverley Division Cross Country – Wednesday 28th May  
  • Waverley Central District Hooptime Years 5 and 6 – Wednesday 11th June  
  • Waverley Central District Hooptime 3 and 4 – Thursday 19th June  

  

Prep  

In Term Two of 2025, our Prep students will continue to develop their fundamental movement skills through two engaging units focused on striking and kicking. These units will introduce students to key techniques such as kicking for accuracy, controlling power, and striking with different equipment. Students will take part in fun, interactive activities that help improve their coordination, balance, and timing. They will learn how to kick a stationary and moving ball, as well as explore striking skills using a variety of objects, such as paddles and soft bats. These lessons will encourage confidence, teamwork, and perseverance as students refine their movements. In addition to skill development, we will continue reinforcing the importance of spatial awareness, ensuring students move safely and considerately during activities. They will also build on their ability to follow instructions, take turns, and work cooperatively with their classmates. We are excited to see our Prep students grow in confidence and ability as they develop new skills in an encouraging and active environment. Term Two is set to be another fantastic term of learning and fun in PE!  

  

  

Curriculum Links:  

  • Explore different ways of moving their body safely when manipulating objects and moving through space (VC2HPFM02)  
  • Practise fundamental movement skills in active play and minor games, in indoor, outdoor and aquatic settings (VC2HPFM01)  
  • Cooperate with others when participating in physical activities (VC2HPFM05)  

  

  

Key Vocabulary:   

Striking, Kicking, Spatial Awareness  

  

  

Year 1 and 2  

In Term Two of 2025, our Year 1 and 2 students will continue developing their fundamental movement skills through two exciting units: one-handed striking and AFL kicking. These activities will challenge students to refine their coordination, control, and accuracy while building confidence in their abilities. During the one-handed striking unit, students will explore different ways to strike objects, such as using tennis racquets, bats, and paddles. They will practise controlling their swings, aiming for targets, and striking with the right amount of force. Through fun and engaging activities, they will improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. In the AFL kicking unit, students will focus on kicking technique, learning how to make solid contact with the ball, aim accurately, and control the power of their kicks. They will participate in activities that emphasise precision, movement, and teamwork, helping them to apply their skills in small-sided games. Beyond skill development, students will continue to build their spatial awareness, teamwork, and persistence, ensuring they play safely and respectfully with their peers. We are looking forward to another active and enjoyable term as students grow in confidence and skill through these dynamic sports!  

  

Curriculum Links:  

  • Practice fundamental movement skills and apply them in a variety of movement situations, including indoor, outdoor and aquatic settings (VC2HP2M01)  
  • Investigate different ways of moving their body and manipulating objects and space, and draw conclusions about their effectiveness (VC2HP2M02)  
  • Apply strategies to work cooperatively when participating in physical activities (VC2HP2M05)  

  

Key Vocabulary:  

One-handed, striking, kicking  

  

Year 3 and 4  

This term, our Year 3 and 4 students will take on two exciting units that will challenge their skills and prepare them for upcoming events. The first half of the term will be dedicated to a five-week badminton unit, where students will develop their hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and striking techniques. They will learn essential skills such as serving, rallying, and controlling the shuttle, with a focus on movement and accuracy. Through engaging drills and match play, students will build their confidence and refine their ability to play both individually and with partners. As we move towards the end of the term, students will shift their focus to Athletics in preparation for our Years 4-6 GWPS Athletics Day at the start of Term 3. They will learn and practise a variety of events, including sprints, long-distance running, long jump, high jump, and throwing events. These sessions will help students improve their technique, strength, and endurance while also building an understanding of sportsmanship and competition. We’re looking forward to a fantastic term filled with skill development, teamwork, and plenty of fun as students take on new challenges in PE!  

  

Curriculum Links:  

  • Practise and apply basic movement strategies to achieve movement outcomes (VC2HP4M02)  
  • Perform movement sequences that link fundamental movement skills (VC2HP4M04)  
  • Perform a range of roles in respectful ways to achieve successful outcomes in group or team movement activities (VC2HP4M10)  

  

Key Vocabulary:  

Rallying, Serving, forehand strike.  

  

  

Year 5 and 6  

This term, Year 5 and 6 students will take on two action-packed units that will test their skills, coordination, and competitive spirit. To start the term, they will dive into a badminton unit, where they will develop precision, speed, and control. Students will work on key techniques such as serving, smashing, and rallying while learning how to anticipate their opponent’s moves. They will also explore doubles strategies, focusing on teamwork, communication, and positioning to outplay their opponents in fast-paced gameplay. As the term progresses, attention will turn to Athletics preparation as students get ready for the GWPS Athletics Day in early Term 3. They will train in a variety of track and field events, including sprinting, distance running, long jump, high jump, and throwing events. The focus will be on refining technique, improving fitness, and setting personal goals, while also encouraging a sense of determination and perseverance. With plenty of opportunities for competition, personal improvement, and teamwork, Term 2 is set to be a fantastic experience in PE. We can’t wait to see students push themselves, embrace new challenges, and enjoy everything sport has to offer!  

  

Curriculum Links:  

  • Investigate how different movement concepts related to effort, space, time, objects and people can be applied to improve movement outcomes (VC2HP6M03)  
  • Create and perform a variety of movement sequences, modifying the movement elements of time, effort, space, people and objects (VC2HP6M04)  
  • Participate positively in groups and teams by contributing to group activities, encouraging others and negotiating a range of roles and responsibilities (VC2HP6M10)  

  

Key Vocabulary:  

Backhand strike, serving, shot put  

  

 How can you support your child’s Physical Education learning at home?    

  • Obstacle Course Challenges: Create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course using household items like pillows, chairs, and cones. Time each other to see who can complete the course the fastest, encouraging agility, balance, and coordination.  
  • Stretching and Flexibility: Start a daily stretching routine to help improve flexibility and mobility. Use YouTube videos or apps for simple stretching exercises, or follow along with guided yoga sessions to promote mindfulness and body awareness.  
  • Balloon Volleyball or Balloon Tennis: Using a balloon instead of a ball, create a volleyball or tennis game indoors. This will help develop hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and teamwork while being safe in small spaces.  
  • Jump Rope or Skipping: Practising skipping in the yard or living room is a great way to build coordination, cardiovascular fitness, and leg strength.  
  • Fitness Challenges: Set up a fitness challenge circuit at home, such as timed activities like jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, or running in place. Track progress over time and encourage friendly competition.