Rationale:       

VCE Physical Education examines the biological, physiological, psychological, social and cultural influences on performance and participation in physical activity. It focuses on the interrelationship between motor learning and psychological, biomechanical, physiological and sociological factors that influence physical performances, and participation in physical activity. The study of physical activity and sedentary behaviour is significant for the understanding of health, wellbeing and performance of people. The study enables the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application through participation in physical activities.

Costs: To allow for the cost of students participating in practical activities outside of school grounds that relate back to the theory components of study a cost will be additional charges.    

Unit 1: The Human Body in Motion

In this unit students explore how the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems work together to produce movement. Through practical activities students explore the relationships between the body systems and physical activity, sport and exercise, and how the systems adapt and adjust to the demands of the activity. Students investigate the role and function of the main structures in each system and how they respond to physical activity, sport and exercise. They explore how the capacity and functioning of each system acts as an enabler or barrier to movement and participation in physical activity.

Unit 2: Physical Activity, Sport and Society

This unit develops students’ understanding of physical activity, sport and society from a participatory perspective. Students are introduced to types of physical activity and the role participation in physical activity and sedentary behaviour plays in their own health and wellbeing as well as in other people’s lives in different population groups. 

Unit 3: Movement Skills and Energy for Physical Activity

This unit introduces students to the biomechanical and skill acquisition principles used to analyse human movement skills and energy production from a physiological perspective. Students use a variety of tools and techniques to analyse movement skills and apply biomechanical and skill acquisition principles to improve and refine movement in physical activity, sport and exercise. They use practical activities to demonstrate how correct application of these principles can lead to improved performance in physical activity and sport. 

Unit 4: Training to Improve Performance

In this unit students analyse movement skills from a physiological, psychological and sociocultural perspective, and apply relevant training principles and methods to improve performance within physical activity at an individual, club and elite level. Improvements in performance, in particular fitness, depend on the ability of the individual and/ or coach to gain, apply and evaluate knowledge and understanding of training. Students analyse skill frequencies, movement patterns, heart rates and work to rest ratios to determine the requirements of an activity. Students consider the physiological, psychological and sociological requirements of training to design and evaluate an effective training program. 

Entry: There are no prerequisites for Units 1, 2 and 3; although students planning to study Units 3 and 4 are advised that completing Units 1 and 2 would be of a learning advantage

ASSESSMENT:

Units 1 and 2:  School assessment based on practical and theoretical elements

Units 3 and 4:  

• Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 2 SACs total 90 marks

• Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework: 4 SACs total 110 marks

Unit 3&4 SACs Combined: 50%

End-of-year examination: 50%

Contact Time:

Lessons per week: 5 periods

Subject duration: Year Long

PE/ Health/ Outdoor Education Leader:  Dean Collishaw