Key Learning Area - PDHPE & Wilderness

PDHPE

It has been a busy start to the year for the PDHPE faculty across the many subjects we offer. Besides the compulsory 7-10 PDHPE, we also run the Stage 5 electives of Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) and our very unique outdoor education program Wilderness Studies. In addition, Stage 6 subjects include PDHPE, Community and Family Studies (CAFS), Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) and Wilderness Studies. So across the faculty there is always a lot going on, and in this article I will try to give some insight into what PDHPE has looked like at Chevalier during Term 1 of this year.

7PDHPE

For theory this term, Year 7 began their PDHPE experience exploring what it takes to form and maintain positive relationships with family, their peers and with the world around them. Communication, assertiveness, bullying and conflict resolution are examples of the content that this group studies to help them navigate relationships, which is especially relevant starting a new school. In practical lessons, the unit FUNdamentals is a creative way to integrate the development of students fundamental movement skills that aim to set the foundation for practical lessons to come this year.

8PDHPE

Year 8 are currently studying a unit all about Digital Citizenship. Key topics and discussions cover our use of social media and apps, awareness of what we post online, the way our information is collected, cyberbullying and sexting. Some classes had the opportunity to create campaigns that Chevalier College could hypothetically run to increase awareness about our Digital Citizenship. These posters encouraged students to be at the forefront of connecting with other students, just like many other wonderful campaigns at Chevalier do. Practically, Year 8 has been participating in a unit we call Games Sense. Games Sense refers to the applying of tactics, use of space, plus knowledge and awareness of sport to produce the desired outcomes an individual or team is hoping to achieve. The use of modified games is one strategy utilised by staff to draw out the elements of Games Sense in action.

9PDHPE

Year 9 began this year with a practical unit called Physical Activity for Me which looks at all the different ways we can engage in physical activity including modifying games for people with disabilities. Goalball is an example of a modified game using a ball that contains a bell inside it, enabling people who are vision impaired to participate. From Week 6, Year 9 began their theory unit called ‘Mirror Mirror’. This unit’s main theme is about body image, which today is a common concern for both young females and males. Students start with understanding in more detail what body image actually is, and how to maintain a positive body image. Disordered eating, photoshopping, cosmetic surgery and the role social media plays on body image are all explored with the aim to inform students on all the ways in which unrealistic images are presented and normalised in our society. 

10PDHPE

Year 10 PDHPE is the final year where PDHPE is a compulsory for students, and we feel a responsibility to present them with information that will serve them well as they move into young adulthood. The theory unit this term is in line with this goal, called ‘Invest in Life’. The unit takes a look into the main causes of mortality for young people in Australia. Some confronting but hugely important topics include youth suicide, domestic/one punch violence, cancer and driving accidents/incidents. With all these topics the aim is to inform students so they can take steps to protect themselves and help others such as peers or family members. The practical unit GOODsports is a fair play/ethical behaviour unit where students play sports that are designed to be played without a referee. Often these sports are not your ‘common’ sports, and they challenge students to embrace something new such as frisbee golf, You.Fo and Tchoukball. 

Year 9 Wilderness Studies - Coolendel Trip

By Tilly S

The first Wildo trip of the year, was a two-day, one-night trip to Coolendel in South Nowra, with the company, Optimum Experiences. Our group instructors, Charlotte, and Scotty were pretty good with what we were doing and a big thank you to them. On the first day, we did a hike up to Grady Hill and back which was around ten kilometres over three to four hours, the calf muscles were burning a bit during the incline and when we were going down it was super slippery. 

At night when we got back, we set up the tent and cooked our dinner, the back country meal wasn’t the best, even when Heardy made me drink the remaining water. However, the campfire was probably the best bit as we all came together and had a debrief and chat about our experiences of our first day and meeting up with mates from the other class. Mr Heard and his memorable ‘dad talk’ helped us reflect on our trust and friendship with each other that we were building. 

On the second day, I went out of my comfort zone and did the abseil down the fifteen metres and felt so good after I did it. The rock climb was pretty good, I did the mild one as I was still a bit shaky after the abseil. The debrief at the end as a class was good to hear everyone’s favourite bits and hardest parts.

Overall, the best bit was probably the hike and abseil as I went out of my comfort zone and experienced new things. The trip didn’t get off to a good start at the beginning, but it was a cracker of a trip in the end.

Year 10 Wilderness - Kosciuszko National 

By Gemma G and Hamish J

In week 8, Year 10 Wilderness went to Kosciuszko National Park for a 5-day hike. 

Day 1: We kicked off the trip at Guthega Power Station and walked 13km to Shlinks hut. Despite the disheartening weather we pushed through and set up camp. 

Day 2: Everyone was in good spirits at 5.30am as we headed to Valentine's hut. Arriving there at only 9am, we had the rest of the day to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape. That night at 1am there was a huge thunderstorm, so all three groups had to hide out in the hut until it had passed. 

Day 3: Given the drama that night, we had a delayed start to the day but journeyed our way back, returning to Shlinks hut, where we stayed the night. 

Day 4: There was an optional 28km hike, 13 people out of the 3 groups had decided to hike up onto Main Range and down to Blue Lake, climbing some of the tallest mountains in Australia, sighting Mt Kosciuszko. The views from the mountain ranges were breathtaking, it was a core memory and something we will never forget. The people who didn't hike Main Range walked 8km closer to the pickup point. 

Day 5: Each group walked a couple of kilometres to their different pickup points. The bus picked the last group up around 11am, and we were on our way home. 

The trip was a great challenge and adventure, a time to connect with each other and practice everything we had been learning in class. It taught us many valuable lessons and gave us unforgettable memories. It showed students what they were truly capable of especially when they put their minds to it. It was an amazing experience and something that will never be forgotten.

By Noah S

Day 1: We arrived at school at 6.30am on Monday morning and had a gear run down before getting on a very long 5-hour bus trip. Once getting off the bus we met our group leaders and started to work on a bit of navigating. We started hiking towards Schlink's hut, set up for the night and made dinner. 

Day 2: We woke up on a freezing morning and packed our packs early to go hiking toward our next hut. After a while on the fire trails, we arrived at Valentine's Hut and set up for the night. Halfway through the night we were woken up because there was a storm too close, and we all went and took shelter for an hour or two.  

Day 3: The next morning, we all got a sleep in, and we thought that we would just be around the hut for the day. We were then told at about lunchtime we were going to go back to Schlink's hut and set up there for the night.  

Day 4: We woke up on a very chilly morning and climbed a mountain near the hut. We put our packs on and headed towards the horse camp hut with a minor detour due to work been dine on the fire trail. We arrived, set up camp, and played cricket with a water bottle. 

Day 5: We woke up early and had an exceedingly small hike to the Power Station where we said goodbye to our group leaders and got on the bus home. 

Year 9 Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS)

When asked about their experience in PASS so far:

• It is really, really fun. 
• I most enjoy being with other likeminded students particularly in practical classes, making it more competitive and rewarding. 
• Such a great subject and very enjoyable.
• I love the variety about the different topics and sports we learn about.

Year 10 Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS)

Students in Year 10 are currently studying Event Management. Students were given the opportunity at the swimming carnival to volunteer their time to assist staff and Coach Phillips in helping the day run smoothly. Our Students did an excellent job and got a front row seat to the intricate workings of how carnivals are run. Students were given the opportunity to volunteer at the Cross Country Carnival as well, offering a similarly valuable experience.

Stage 6 PDHPE, CAFS, SLR, WILDERNESS (SLR)

At Stage 6 level, Year 11 and 12 are busy either starting their courses as preliminary students, or looking to ramp up their studies as Trials and HSC loom around the corner for our 12s. A special note goes out to the brave Year 12 Wilderness Studies who will attempt to walk and finish the Mittagong to Katoomba Expedition which has not be walked in full since 2019!

IN FOCUS

After the new purchase of the Volleyball Nets, Year 11 SLR and Year 8 PDHPE took to the court. Both classes played across 3 courts in nail-biter games. In the battle of all battles, after a 2-0 loss, the Year 8s clawed their way back to beat the Year 11s. The sportsmanship was  matched by the competitiveness, and there was a real sense of joyful participation for all those who took part.