Physical Education

Welcome back to another exciting school year! We hope all families enjoyed a restful and enjoyable summer break. Term 1 has kicked off beautifully in the Physical Education program, with students beginning our six-week intensive swimming program—an excellent chance for them to develop water confidence and strengthen their stroke technique.

Our Year 6 students will take part in the Summer Interschool Sports competition on Friday mornings, proudly representing our school across a variety of sports. To finish the term on a high, our Year 4–6 students will participate in the Intraschool Cross Country during the final week, an event that always highlights determination, teamwork, and school spirit.

Important dates

GWPS Year 5 and 6 Swimming – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 2 and 3
GWPS Year 3 and 4 Swimming - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 4 and 5
GWPS Prep, Year 1 and 2 Swimming - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 6 and 8
Year 6 Interschool Sport – Fridays of Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9
Waverley Central District Swimming – Thursday 26th February
Monash-Waverley Division Swimming – Wednesday 4th March
Year 3 and 4 Soccer Gala Day – Monday 23rd March
Year 6 Boys Soccer Gala Day – Tuesday 24th March
Year 6 Girls Soccer Gala Day – Thursday 26th March
GWPS Year 4-6 Intraschool Cross-Country – Thursday 2nd April (final day of Term 1).

Prep

In Term One of 2025, our Prep students will begin their exciting journey in Physical Education by familiarising themselves with the spaces they will use throughout the year, including the gym and basketball court. They will learn how to move confidently and safely within these environments, as well as the importance of being respectful and responsible during lessons. Students will explore different ways to move their bodies, focusing on developing fundamental movement skills. They will also be introduced to the concept of spatial awareness, learning how to navigate spaces while being mindful of their surroundings and peers. As the term progresses, students will engage in activities designed to build their hand-eye coordination and develop the foundational skills of throwing and catching. They will practice these skills through fun, interactive tasks that encourage active participation and enjoyment. We are excited to see our Prep students grow in confidence and ability as they take their first steps in Physical Education! It’s going to be a term full of discovery, development, and enthusiasm.

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)
Follow rules to promote fair play and inclusion in a range of physical activities (VC2HPFM04)

Key Vocabulary:

Movement, Spatial Awareness, Eye-Tracking 

Year 1 and 2

In Term One of 2025, Year 1 and 2 students will build on their previous learning in Physical Education as they continue to refine their movement and spatial awareness. Through engaging activities, they will focus on safely and effectively navigating spaces. Students will also revisit and enhance their catching and throwing techniques, working on accuracy, consistency, and coordination. These foundational skills will be practiced through a variety of fun and challenging tasks, helping students to strengthen their motor skills and confidence. To conclude the term, students will participate in an exciting Object Control Unit. This will introduce them to using different types of equipment, such as balls, beanbags, and hoops, with greater control, balance, and accuracy. These activities will encourage problem-solving, persistence, and teamwork while further developing their fine motor skills. We look forward to a dynamic and productive term as our Year 1 and 2 students continue to grow in their physical abilities and enjoy the fun of active learning!

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)

Key Vocabulary:

Control, accuracy, overarm throw

Year 3 and 4

In Term One of 2026, Year 3 and 4 students will participate in a varied and engaging Physical Education program that supports the development of their fundamental movement skills and game awareness. The term will begin with a Minor Games Unit, where students will build on essential skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, dodging, and teamwork through a range of fun and inclusive games. These activities help students strengthen coordination, learn simple strategies, and gain confidence when working with others. Following this, students will move into a Netball Unit that introduces them to the basics of the sport. They will learn key skills including passing, footwork, pivoting, and shooting, as well as simple game rules and positional play. Throughout the term, students will also participate in the school swimming program, where they will continue building their confidence, water safety knowledge, and stroke development. We’re excited for a positive and active start to the year as our Year 3 and 4 students build their skills, try new challenges, and enjoy a wide range of movement experiences.

Curriculum Links:

Practise and refine fundamental movement skills in different movement situations, including indoor, outdoor and aquatic settings (VC2HP4M01)
Practise and apply basic movement strategies to achieve movement outcomes (VC2HP4M02)
Perform movement sequences that link fundamental movement skills (VC2HP4M04)
Apply rules and scoring systems to promote fair play and inclusion when participating in or designing physical activities (VC2HP4M09)

Key Vocabulary:

Chest pass, Bounce pass, three feet defending, teamwork, overhand throwing

Year 5 and 6

In Term One of 2026, Year 5 and 6 students will take part in a well-rounded and challenging Physical Education program designed to extend their skills and deepen their understanding of game play. The term will begin with the school swimming program, giving students valuable opportunities to strengthen their strokes, improve endurance, and continue developing essential water safety skills. Students will also participate in a Minor Sports Unit, where the focus shifts to refining fundamental movement skills with greater precision. Through a range of modified games and skill-based activities, students will work on improving their accuracy, control, decision-making, and teamwork. Later in the term, students will transition into a Volleyball Unit. Here, they will learn and practise key skills such as setting, digging, and spiking, as well as how to maintain rallies during game play. Through drills, partner work, and small-sided matches, students will develop stronger technique, better court awareness, and improved communication with teammates. We look forward to an active and enjoyable term as Year 5 and 6 students challenge themselves, build confidence, and continue to grow as capable and cooperative team players.

Curriculum Links:

Adapt movement skills across a variety of situations, including indoor, outdoor and aquatic settings (VC2HP6M01)
Transfer familiar movement strategies to different movement situations (VC2HP6M02)
Devise and test rules and game modifications to support fair play and inclusive participation (VC2HP6M09)
Participate positively in groups and teams by contributing to group activities, encouraging others and negotiating a range of roles and responsibilities (VC2HP6M10)

Key Vocabulary:

Set, dig, spike, sportsmanship, underarm throw

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

1. Encourage daily movement

Aim for at least 30–60 minutes of active play each day.
This could include bike riding, playing at the park, dancing, skipping, or backyard games.

2. Practise fundamental skills

Throwing, catching, kicking, jumping, balancing, and striking can all be practised with simple household items (soft balls, rolled-up socks, broomsticks as batons, etc.).
Keep it fun and low-pressure—short, regular bursts are best.

3. Play games together

Simple games like tag, balloon volleyball, mini soccer, or relay races build coordination and teamwork.
Let your child create their own rules—this builds creativity and confidence.