Health & Physical Education

Friends’ is a health-promoting school and a holistic approach is taken to the study of Health and Physical Education.

Social, emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health are the foci of teaching and learning in all areas of this curriculum. Students are encouraged to value, maintain and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The Year 9 and 10 Health Framework incorporates Physical Education, Health Theory, and Sport Science. These courses are offered to students in a variety of ways. The Physical Education and Health Theory course aligns with the Australian Curriculum and is compulsory in Years 9 and 10. The elective subject Sport Science offers two distinct and separate units that can be studied in Year 9 or Year 10. 

Physical Education Years 9 and 10

In Year 9 there is an emphasis on sports-based activities incorporating a game sense understanding. Students participate in a wide variety of sports that demand adaptation of already-developed general skills.  Sports include striking and racquet sports, invasion and field sports and our 'Swim Fit and Save' aquatic program.

In Year 10 students engage in a recreation-focused program where the emphasis is on planning for an active and healthy life after school. Students explore community and recreational activity options, including fitness experiences at Friends Health & Fitness. In addition, there are sport-based activities, selected on an interest basis, and students take a proactive role in coaching, officiating and participating in these team-based sports. Students can elect to participate in an aquatic program to gain the competencies to attain the RLSS Bronze Medallion certificate.

In Years 9 and 10 there is an underlying emphasis placed on improving students’ fitness, with most lessons incorporating a combination of both skill and fitness activities.

Health Theory Years 9 and 10

In Year 9 Health Theory, students explore issues relating to wellbeing, protective behaviours, harm minimisation, mindfulness, decision-making, respectful relationships, sexual health and self-responsibility. 

In Year 10 Health Theory, students analyse issues and strategies to sustain lifelong health and wellbeing. They explore contextual factors that influence their health and examine the personal qualities, social skills, and communication skills required to support decisions they make now and in the future. Students continue to evaluate respectful relationships and explore issues related to sexuality, sexual health, personal identity, and diversity. They discuss and review these topics in a supported environment.  

Year 10 students also participate in the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program that explores responsibilities inherent in becoming a safe motorist.