Health & Physical Education Department Report 

In this newsletter, we narrow in on Year 8 PE. 

Year 8 Volleyball 

Over the past five weeks, Year 8 students have been actively engaged in a Volleyball unit in Physical Education. Throughout the program, students developed fundamental skills such as serving, setting, digging, spiking and blocking, while also learning the rules and structure of the game. 

A strong focus was placed on teamwork, communication and fair play, with students working collaboratively to build rallies and apply strategies during gameplay. As their confidence grew, students began to demonstrate improved court positioning and decision-making in competitive situations. 

The unit concluded with modified games and tournament play, allowing students to showcase their progress in an engaging and supportive environment. It has been fantastic to see students challenge themselves, support their peers and develop a deeper understanding of Volleyball as a net/wall sport. 

Year 10 Health 

In Year 10 Health, students have explored the topic of alcohol and other drugs (AOD), focusing on the effects these substances can have on individual health and wellbeing.

The unit examined both the short-term and long-term impacts of AOD use, including physical, mental, and social consequences, and highlighted strategies for making safe and informed decisions. Students engaged in discussions, activities, and case studies that helped them understand the role of choice, peer influence, and personal responsibility in navigating these risks. 

A key focus of the unit was the impact of media messaging on young people’s perceptions of alcohol and other drugs. Students analysed advertisements, social media posts, and popular culture representations to identify how these messages can influence attitudes, behaviours, and social norms. Through critical evaluation, students developed skills to recognise bias, question misleading messages, and make informed decisions about their own health in the context of societal and media pressures.