Physical Education

Welcome back to a new school year! We hope all our families had a wonderful summer holiday break, filled with relaxation and fun. It’s been a fantastic start to 2025 in the Physical Education space, with the commencement of our six-week intensive swimming program, providing students with an excellent opportunity to build confidence and refine their swimming skills. In Week 4, our Year 6 students will dive into the Summer Interschool Sports competition, representing our school in a range of exciting sports. To round off the term, we’ll hold our Year 4-6 Intraschool Cross Country in the final week—an event that’s sure to bring out the best in our students as they push themselves and cheer on their peers.

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 Summer Interschool Sports – Friday mornings of Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10
Waverley Central District Swimming – Thursday 27th February
Monash-Waverley Division Swimming – Wednesday 5th March
GWPS Year 4-6 Intraschool Cross-Country – Wednesday 2nd April

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 learnings 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 2025, Year 3 and 4 students will engage in an exciting and diverse Physical Education program that combines skill development and an exploration of lifelong physical activities. The term will begin with a Hockey Unit, where students will learn the basics and fundamentals of the sport. They will practice essential skills such as dribbling and controlling the ball with a hockey stick, passing with accuracy, and goal scoring. Through drills, games, and match simulations, students will not only develop their hockey abilities but also improve their coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Following the Hockey Unit, students will participate in a Lifelong Physical Activity Unit. This unit will introduce them to the concept of being physically active throughout their lives and the importance of maintaining health and well-being. Each week, they will explore a different lifelong activity, such as yoga, walking, or recreational sports, discovering new ways to stay active and enjoy movement beyond traditional PE lessons. We’re excited for a term filled with skill-building, discovery, and fun, as Year 3 and 4 students develop both their athletic abilities and their understanding of what it means to lead an active and healthy lifestyle!

Curriculum Links:

Practise and apply basic movement strategies to achieve movement outcomes VC2HP4M02
Perform movement sequences that link fundamental movement skills VC2HP4M04
Participate in physical activities to explore how their body feels and describe how regular physical activity helps the body stay healthy and well VC2HP4M05

Key Vocabulary:

Passing, trapping, skipping, Lifelong activity

Year 5 and 6

In Term One of 2025, Year 5 and 6 students will kick off the year with an action-packed Physical Education program that combines skill refinement and exploring activities to stay active for life. The term begins with a Hockey Unit, where students will build on their previous knowledge and experiences with the sport. They will focus on refining their hockey skills, such as dribbling with control, accurate passing, and effective goal scoring. These skills will be put into practice during modified hockey games, where students can develop their gameplay strategies, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. Following the Hockey Unit, students will transition to a Lifelong Physical Activity Unit. This unit will help them understand the importance of staying active throughout their lives and explore a variety of activities that promote health and fitness. Each week, they will try a different activity, ranging from recreational sports to other forms of exercise, learning how to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives in enjoyable and meaningful ways. It’s set to be an exciting term, with opportunities for Year 5 and 6 students to enhance their athletic skills, deepen their understanding of teamwork, and discover new ways to stay active and healthy!

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
Explore strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour levels in their lives VC2HP6M07

Key Vocabulary:

Goal scoring, Teamwork, Lifelong Activity

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

Practice Skills: Ask your child what skills they are learning in PE and practise them together. For example, practicing throwing, catching, dribbling, or kicking a ball can help refine those skills. Use household items like soft balls or homemade targets to practise indoors or outdoors.
Family Activities: Engage in physical activities as a family. Go for walks, play a sport, or have a dance-off. This not only promotes fitness but also demonstrates the importance of an active lifestyle.
Online activities: Follow along to active videos such as Cosmic Kids Yoga or Just Dance.