Health and Physical Education

In an increasingly complex, sedentary and rapidly changing world it is critical for every young Australian to not only be able to cope with life’s challenges but also to flourish as healthy, safe and active citizens in the 21st century.

In Health and Physical Education, students develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding to strengthen their sense of self, and build and manage satisfying, respectful relationships. They learn to build on personal and community strengths and assets to enhance safety and wellbeing. 

At the core of Health and Physical Education is the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively. 

Core Curriculum

We have implemented the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education.

At St Benedict's, Health and Physical Education is a broad curriculum area that covers two main strands:

• Personal, Social and Community Health
• Movement and Physical Activity

Teaching and Learning Opportunities

Teachers cover this curriculum through strategies such as:

• Designing Integrated Units of Work that teach understandings, concepts and strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Developing classroom and school-wide programs and opportunities for social skills development.
• Teaching and practising physical movement skills in a variety of forms.
• Incorporating expert teachers in the form of programs and clinics.

It is a requirement of all ACT schools to participate in two hours of moderate to vigourous physical movement and activity each week. In accordance with this we offer students two physical education lessons per week and a fitness program on each of the other three days. The purpose of the fitness program is to increase the students' flexibility, aerobic endurance, muscle tone and strength. During the phyiscal education lessons students participate in skill development programs that include modofied sport skills, clinics, dance, gymnastics and team games.

School Sport

St Benedict's run three major carnivals through the year: Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country. These are a part of our participation in the South Canberra Primary School Sport Association (SCPSSA). All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participate in the Athletics and Cross Country carnivals whilst students from Years 2 to 6 participate in the Swimming Carnival. Kindergarten, Year 1 and all other non-swimmers participate in across the pool assisted swimming, water play activities and games at the Swimming Carnival. Where possible students are assisted with training for these events as a part of the PE and Fitness programs.

Students are selected from these events to form a St Benedict's team at the South Canberra Carnivals. They may then be selected to represent South Canberra at the ACT Championships.

Specialist Programs

Sports clinics are organised for children to learn about and have experience in a wide range of sports including Cricket, Rugby League, Aussie Rules, Softball, Netball, Baslketball, Orienteering, Tennis and Hockey. We aim to involve students in a minimum of two clinics during the course of the year.

A Gymnastics Teacher is employed in Term 1 to run an intensive program for students from Years 3 to 6. Kindergarten to Year 2 receive an introductory program.

In Term 2, a specialist teacher also delivers a Dance program.

Commencing in Kindergarten, children are introduced to our Perceptual Motor Program. This program, which extends to Years 1 and 2, is supported by trained teachers.