Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6 and for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:
- Community and Family Studies
- Community and Family Studies Life Skills
- Exploring Early Childhood
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Life Skills
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies.
Years 7 & 8
During this two year course students at The Rock Central School engage in a number of practical and theory units. These units are created using outcomes form the PDHPE syllabus. Below is an overview of some of the topics covered during this subject.
This topic looks at the developmental changes that occur physically and emotionally during puberty. This coeducational class studies both male and female secondary sex characteristics and prepares students for the changes that occur during their teenage years.
During this practical unit students are taught a range of minor ball games such as over a third, dodge ball and one bounce. Students are then put into groups to complete an in class assessment which involves groups creating their own minor game and teaching it to the class.
During this unit of work students identify the dangers associated with everyday life. They view excerpts of 'The Simpsons' and recognise situations where risks can be increased. This topic also investigates the roles that families play in regard to personal safety.
Year 9
This unit of study analyses the factors that contribute to positive and meaningful relationships. Students investigate health issues and the consequences of decisions. During this unit a take home assessment is given which requires students to research a specific sexually transmitted infection.
Oztag is a sport whose popularity throughout the Riverina is constantly increasing. A mixture of touch football and rugby league students learn all of the rules and work on their catching, kicking, tagging and teamwork skills.
Alcohol, Cannabis, Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy and other forms of drug use have a serious socioeconomic impact on todays society. This unit looks at the impacts of recreational drug use, how to combat peer pressure and the facilities available locally to help deal with substance abuse.
Touch football
On Wednesday the 9th of May, TRCS boys and girls touch teams played in a knockout gala day at Jubilee Park. Both teams have been training hard and their hard work paid off. The boys team were successful in their first game against Forest Hill, winning 6-3. In their second game, they came up against state champions South Wagga. The boys tried their hardest and never gave up, however, South Wagga won the game and advanced onto the next stage. The girls team played Forest Hill and tried their hardest all game and displayed great team skills. Forest Hill won this match and our girls team walked away happy; having learnt many new skills.
A big thank you for all our parents who supported our teams with travel and positive encouragement.
Jessica Higginson, Touch Co-ordinator
Paul Kelly Cup
It was a good educational day because we got to learn more about the game of AFL. It was the first time many of us had played the game. It was a lot of fun and we got to meet some of our old friends. We played three games on the day.
by Toni Richards
We played three games on the day. We did not manage to win those games but we tried our best. All the boys had a lot of fun. The weather was great and we had some fantastic support from our parents.
by Paul Corrigan
We would like to thank Mr Rodger Vennell and Mr Josh Bourne for driving the bus and coaching us.
