Mr Mark Golding
Head of Faculty
Health & Physical Education

The Health and Physical Education Department in 2008 welcomed Miss Yasmin Morgan, Mr Craig Rodgers and Mr David Green. All three staff members are dynamic and energetic teachers, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience.

This year commenced on a high note with the announcement, from the Curriculum Council, that Elinor Fleming achieved the prestigious Subject Exhibition Award, affirming her as the top student in Outdoor Education in Western Australia. In addition, Elinor and David Hindmarsh received a Certificate of Distinction for Outdoor Education, and Domenic D’Adamo received a Certificate of Distinction for Physical Education Studies. This award recognises the top 0.5% of students completing this wholly school-assessed subject across the State. Appreciation must be extended to Mainpeak and Slater-Gartrell Sports, who acknowledged the achievements of these individuals by providing merchandise from their respective companies.

As part of the current reforms in education, the main focus for the year was the development of the Western Australian Certificate of Education’s Physical Education Studies, and Outdoor Education Courses of Study for implementation at the College in 2009. Future students undertaking these courses will not only be able to pursue their interests in the Learning Area but will now have the opportunity to access university pathways through successful completion of the Tertiary Entrance Examination.

The Physical Education Studies course emphasises learning through movement and personalised learning experiences. The course has been designed to challenge students to consider issues including the required preparation to become good at physical activity; why so many people advocate physical activity yet so many people find it hard to fit it into their daily lives; and what it takes to create programs that can enhance their own and others’ readiness in physical activity. Students enrolled in the course will acquire skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable them to pursue their personal interests and potential in physical activity as athletes, coaches, officials and/or administrators.

The Outdoor Education course focuses on interactions with the natural world. The course aims to develop an understanding of our relationships with the environment, others and ourselves. The main objective of the course is to contribute towards a sustainable world. Students gain understanding and skills for safe participation in outdoor activities in the environment. They develop the ability to assess risk, apply the appropriate management procedures to enable safe participation and develop competency in emergency response. Students develop an understanding of the importance of conservation and acquire skills necessary, to minimise their impact on the environment. The opportunity to investigate environmental management strategies related to outdoor activities is provided. Students develop skills which may be transferred to minimise their impact on the environment and understand the importance of doing so. The course provides a balance between practical experiences, the environment and engagement by self and others.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all members of the Department for their continued efforts and dedication.

Mark Golding
Head of Faculty Health & Physical Education

December 2008