Rationale:

Physical Activity and Sports Studies represents a broad view of physical activity and the many possible contexts in which individuals can build activity into their lifestyle. It incorporates a wide range of lifelong physical activities, including recreational, leisure and adventure pursuits, competitive and non-competitive games, individual and group physical fitness activities, and the use of physical activity for therapy and remediation.

Participation in regular physical activity is essential to improving health status and quality of life. Health experts agree it can reduce the likelihood of obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension and cancers. Research shows regular physical activity to also be effective in stress management, therapy and rehabilitation, injury prevention and the promotion of physical fitness. Individuals who lead an active lifestyle enjoy a positive sense of general wellbeing, heightened energy levels and improved ability to concentrate. They have an enhanced capacity to perform daily activities with ease and respond to increased demands.

Participation in physical activity provides opportunities for personal challenge, enjoyment and satisfaction. It also provides for positive interaction with others, in both collaborative and competitive contexts and supports the development of key social skills necessary for strong interpersonal relationships. Participation in particular physical activities can be culturally significant and play an important role in the development of cultural understanding.

This syllabus promotes the concept of learning through movement. If appropriate, aspects of the course can be explored through participation in selected movement applications in which students experience, examine, analyse and apply new understanding. Students are encouraged to specialise and study areas in depth, to work towards a particular performance goal, pursue a formal qualification or examine an issue of interest related to the physical, emotional, social, cultural or scientific dimensions of physical activity and sport.

Physical Activity and Sports Studies also promotes learning about movement and provides students with opportunities to develop their movement skills, analyse movement performance and assist the performance of others. The acquisition and successful application of movement skills are closely related to enjoyment of physical activity and the likelihood of sustaining an active lifestyle. Students develop an appreciation of the traditions and special characteristics associated with various physical activities and also the artistic and aesthetic qualities of skilled performance and determined effort.

Recreation, physical activity, sport and related health fields provide legitimate career pathways. This course provides students with a broad understanding of the multifaceted nature of these fields. It also introduces students to valuable and marketable skills in organisation, enterprise, leadership and communication. Students with these skills will be positioned to make a strong contribution to their community as physical activity and sport provides a major context for both voluntary and paid work across Australia.

Aim:

The aim of the Physical Activity and Sports Studies Content Endorsed Course Years 7–10 Syllabus is to enhance students’ capacity to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for themselves and others.

Objectives:

Knowledge and Understanding

Students:

• develop a foundation for efficient participation and performance in physical activity and sport

• develop knowledge and understanding about the contribution of physical activity and sport to individual, community and societal wellbeing

• enhance the participation and performance of themselves and others in physical activity and sport.

Skills

Students:

• develop the personal skills to participate in physical activity and sport with confidence.

Values and Attitudes

Students:

• develop a commitment to lifelong participation in physical activity and sport

• develop an appreciation of the enjoyment and challenge of participation in physical activity and sport

• recognise the value contributions of physical activity and sport have to wellbeing and society.

Content:

• Body systems and energy for physical activity

• Physical activity for health

• Physical fitness

• Fundamentals of movement skill development

• Nutrition and physical activity

• Participating with safety