Il Nido
2023 Semester 1 - Celebration of Learning in Physical Education
Students in Il Nido have had a fantastic semester in their Physical Education Classes! Students participate in 1 x 50 minute Physical Education class per week. Students are also given the opportunity to represent BEPS against other schools in Swimming, Cross-Country and Athletics.
The year started off with a 9 day swimming intensive at the Maryibynong Aquatic Centre. Students gained confidence and skills in an aquatic environment - some even got to jump into the pool in their PJ's! A number ofstudents were succesful in obtaining their Victorian Water Safety Certificate. This certificate represents a high level of swimming ability and is a fantastic achievement.
Over the course of the semester, students in 4/5/6 Learning Communities undertook a series of tests designed to measure various aspects of fitness. The aspects tested were: Aerobic capacity and endurance, Leg and Upper Body strength. These tests were designed to provide students with a benchmark of their own fitness levels, and allow them to measure their growth over a number of years. The determination and effort displayed was fantastic, I even heard requests to do the Beep Test more often!
Term 2 has seen students participate in trials for a number of Athletics events. These events were: Shot Put, Discus, High Jump, Long Jump and Triple Jump. The purpose of these trials was to select students for Interschool Athletics during Term 3. Many of these events also required students to develop their ability to undertake a complex and corodinated series of movements. The students of Il Nido displayed a healthy dose of competiveness, but still maintained an encouraging and supportive environment for their classmates.
Students in Il Nido are currently involved a series of Taekwando lessons. These lessons have been made possible through Sporting Schools funding, and have allowed me to bring in an external coach. The kids love an expert! Taekwando has been briliant at developing general aerobic fitness, co-ordination, flexibility and strength. The kids have loved developing their kicking and punching skills. However, the importance of safety and self control is constantly emphasised.
2022 Semester 1 - Celebration of Learning in Physical Education
Netball
During Term 1, students undertook a series of lessons to learn more about the fantastic game of Netball. The lessons emphasized the key skills of passing, catching and shooting. Students also developed an understanding of the different positions on a Netball court. It was wonderful to see how the students developed their skills and understanding. The mini games were a definite highlight. If only we could turn the rings around.
Fitness Testing
Over the course of the semester, students in 4/5/6 Learning Communities undertook a series of tests designed to measure various aspects of fitness. The aspects tested were: Aerobic capacity and endurance, Abdominal/Core strength and Upper Body strength. These tests were designed to provide students with a benchmark of their own fitness levels, and allow them to measure their growth over a number of years. The determination and effort displayed was fantastic!
Volleyball
As part of the Sporting Schools funding for Term 2, BEPS was able to bring in some external coaches to provide the students with an understanding of the basic skills of Volleyball. Students were given the opportunity to practice the following skills: setting, digging, serving and spiking. Over the series of lessons students progressed from practicing the skills without a net to playing small sided games with a full height net. The development and enthusiasm was awesome! This unit was a fantastic introduction to a sport that many students will have the opportunity to play at High School.
Skipping
Wow! The students of Il Nido have done so much skipping. As part of the Jump Rope for Heart program, students have started every PE lesson with 10-15 minutes of skipping. This has given everyone a high intensity cardio workout, built leg strength and developed co-ordination. It has also been heaps of fun. I have loved seeing the improvement that all students have made. It has been amazing to see the skipping rope make a comeback as a lunchtime accessory.
Physical Challenges
The start of the year saw the students of Il Nido participate in a number of team building challenges. These challenges were designed to test the ability of small groups to work together to solve a physical problem. Among the favourites were "Lava Maze" and "Pass the Chicken".
Kicking
As a Fundamental Motor Skill, kicking has been given a significant focus during this semester. Many of the activities have been based around the skills used in soccer. Despite the lumps and bumps in the oval, students have developed their ability to dribble a ball and to hit a target with their kick. A class favourite was "Soccer Ball Tag".
T-Ball
As part of some Sporting Schools funding, BEPS was able to secure an external coach to come in and provide students with some expert tips and techniques. Over the course of 3 sessions, students were given the opportunity to practice the important skills of throwing, catching and striking. Coach Ian (not my brother) was able to improve everyone's game sense and tactical play. Watch out other schools in the Brunswick District as these kids come through to participate in Inter-school sport.