Health & Physical Education Department Report 

Year 11 VET Sport and Recreation: Developing the Officials of Tomorrow 

Our Year 11 VET Sport and Recreation students have been putting their knowledge into practice as part of SISSSOF002 – Continuously Improve Officiating Skills and Knowledge. 

As part of the unit, students selected a sport they were familiar with and took on the responsibility of officiating three separate sport-specific competitions. This provided students with a valuable opportunity to step into the role of an official and develop their confidence, communication, decision-making and knowledge of the rules. 

Students researched the relevant National or State Sporting Organisation and investigated the professional standards expected of officials. They also explored emerging technologies used in sport and considered how technology can support officials to make decisions more accurately, quickly and confidently. 

Across their three practical sessions, students used technology, gathered feedback from participants and peers, and reflected on areas where they could improve. Peer observations also encouraged students to recognise effective officiating practices and provide constructive feedback to others. 

The unit also introduced students to the importance of ongoing professional development. Following feedback from an experienced official, students commenced an Australian Sports Commission officiating course and shared their professional learning with a peer. 

This hands-on experience has helped our students develop valuable skills that extend beyond the sporting arena, including leadership, communication, teamwork, resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

Year 11 VCE Physical Education 

It has been a busy and rewarding semester for our Year 11 VCE Physical Education students. Throughout the semester, students have developed their understanding of how the human body moves and responds to physical activity, while also building the skills needed to apply their knowledge to a range of sporting and exercise contexts. 

Students began the year exploring the structure and function of key body systems involved in movement. This included developing their knowledge of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and understanding how these systems work together to support movement and physical performance. Students have also explored the role of how the body produces and uses energy during different types of physical activity. 

A strong focus throughout the semester has been helping students apply their knowledge rather than simply recall information. Students have worked through a range of scenarios and sporting examples, using VCE command terms such as describe, explain, analyse and evaluate. This has supported students in developing more detailed responses and understanding what is required when responding to VCE-style questions. 

Students have also explored the personal, social and environmental factors that influence participation in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. This has provided opportunities to consider why people participate, or choose not to participate, in physical activity and how different influences can create opportunities or barriers to participation. 

Alongside their theory learning, students have participated in practical activities that have allowed them to connect classroom concepts with physical performance. These experiences have helped students develop a greater understanding of how the body responds to exercise and how theoretical concepts can be observed and applied in practical settings. 

Throughout the semester, students have also completed a range of formative assessments, SAC preparation and exam-style questions. Learning how to interpret questions, identify the key requirements of a command term and provide evidence-based responses has been an important part of preparing students for the demands of VCE Physical Education. 

It has been pleasing to see students develop greater confidence in using the language of VCE PE and applying their knowledge to unfamiliar situations. The skills developed this semester will provide a strong foundation as students continue their VCE PE studies and further explore the relationship between physical activity, the human body and performance.