Terra Verde
2023 Semester 1 - Celebration of Learning in Physical Education
Students in Terra Verde have had a fantastic semsester! Students participate in a 50 minute Physical Education lesson per week. The year started off with a 4 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!
Term 1 also provided students with the opportunity to participate in a 3 week Gymanstics program. Students developed their ability to move their body in particular ways. Many students enjoyed learning and or practicing a number of Gymanstics shapes. It always seemed to be a race who get into the shape first. The students of Terra Verde also got to practice a variety of rolls and tumbles. The "log roll" down the big wedges were a definite favourite.
Another area of focus this semester has been a unit of lessons on Fielding and Striking games. These are games such as Cricket and Softball/T-Ball. Each week students rotated through a series of activities designed to improve throwing, catching and striking. All of these activites allowed students to find their own level of challenge within the activity.
The students of Terra Verde were amazed to learn that BEPS has a golf course at school. Students in Terra Verde participated in a unit of lessons based around Target games. The major areas of focus were Golf and Bocce. Students had the opportunity to practice their technique and understand the fundamental elements of the game before taking on the short but tricky 6 hole BEPS golf course. Some fantastic golf was played - including a few holes in one!
2022 Semester 1 - Celebration of Learning in Physical Education
Gymnastics
As part of the Sporting Schools funding for Term 1, BEPS was able to secure an external coach to come in and provide some expert guidance and coaching. Over the course of 3 sessions, students were given the opportunity to practice and develop their rolling and tumbling skills. The kids loved doing the "log" and "egg" rolls. Another favourite activity was being able to use the springboard - everyone loves to bounce! These sessions allowed the students to develop control and awareness of how their body moves.
Team Building and Physical Challenges
The start of the year saw the students of Terra Verde participate in a number of team building challenges. A major focus of the Physical Education program is the development of teamwork and the notion of winning and losing graciously. These challenges were designed to test the ability of small groups to work together to solve a physical problem. The "Lava Maze" once again proved to be a favourite, along with Geoffrey the big ball.
Overarm Throwing
Term 2 saw the students practice the Fundamental Movement Skill of Overarm Throwing. The 4 key aspects of the overarm throwing action (side on, engage shoulder, twist torso and step onto front foot) were explained and developed through a range of activities over 3 sessions. Class favourites were "splats", "vortex" and of course hit the teacher. I definitely saw and felt an improvement in all the students throwing over the 3 sessions.
Skipping
Wow! The students of Terra Verde 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 Terra Verde 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".
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.
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".