Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to enhance students’ capacity to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for themselves and others. The course aims to develop knowledge and skills relevant to human movement including anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. Students will explore sport, fitness and physical activity investigating health, recreational, performance, coaching, administrative, and community perspectives.
The course has a strong focus on learning through movement and the skills of communicating, decision-making, interacting, planning and problem-solving.
Contact
Head of Department: Jason Cooper
Email: jcooper@barker.nsw.edu.au
Year 9
Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to:
- Develop a foundation for efficient participation and performance in physical activity and sport
- Enhance the participation and performance of themselves and others in physical activity and sport
- Develop knowledge and understanding about the contribution of physical activity and sport to individual, community and societal wellbeing
- Develop the personal skills to participate in physical activity and sport with confidence.
The course is organised in modules around three areas of study:
| Areas of Study | Foundations of Physical Activity | Physical Activity & Sport in Australia | Enhancing Participation & Performance |
| Modules Studied | Physical fitness | Australia's sporting identity Physical activity and sport for specific groups |
Technology, participation and performance |
| Movement Applications | Enhancing performance - strategies & techniques: Aquatics, Athletics, Individual and Group Fitness, Recreational Activities, Individual & Team Sports |
The Physical Activity and Sports Studies elective, with its foundations based on exercise science and sociology, goes beyond the scope of the mandatory PDHPE course. Learning through movement is a priority and therefore there is a strong practical component.
Assessment
The assessment in Physical Activity and Sports Studies includes:
- Theoretical (75%) – Assignment based.
- Practical (25%) – Ongoing assessment of performance.
- Hand-in tasks and presentations
Year 10
Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to:
- Develop a foundation for efficient participation and performance in physical activity and sport
- Enhance the participation and performance of themselves and others in physical activity and sport
- Develop knowledge and understanding about the contribution of physical activity and sport to individual, community and societal wellbeing
- Develop the personal skills to participate in physical activity and sport with confidence
The course is organised in modules around three areas of study.
| Areas of Study | Foundations of Physical Movement | Physical Activity and Sport in Australia | Enhancing Participation & Performance |
| Modules Studied | Body systems and energy for physical activity | Issues in physical activity and sport | Coaching |
| Being an Elite Athlete |
| Movement Applications | Fundamentals of movement skill development: Aquatics, Athletics, Individual and Group Fitness, Recreational Activities, Individual and Team Sports |
The field of human movement and exercise science makes this an academically challenging course. Whilst not a pre-requisite, many students choose this elective as preparation for the 2 unit PDHPE Course in Years 11 and 12. Additionally, there is a strong practical component. Students can undertake this course without having previously studied the Year 9 course.
Assessment
- Theoretical (80%) - examination, test, assignment, coaching presentation
- Practical (20%) – ongoing assessment of performance in practical lessons