The courses focus on the complex interrelationships between motor learning and psychological, biomechanical and physiological factors that influence individual and team performances. Students engage as performers, leaders, coaches, analysts and planners of physical activity. Physical activity serves both as a source of content and data, and as a medium for learning. Learning in the Physical Education Studies courses cannot be separated from active participation in physical activities, and involves students in closely integrated written, oral and physical learning experiences, based upon the study of selected physical activities.

The courses appeal to students with varying backgrounds, physical activity knowledge, and dispositions. Students analyse the performance of themselves and others, apply theoretical principles, and plan programmes to enhance performance. Physical activity and sport are used to develop skills and performance along with an understanding of physiological, anatomical, psychological, biomechanical and skill-learning applications.

The courses prepare students for a variety of post-school pathways, including immediate employment or tertiary studies. They provide students with access to an increasingly diverse range of employment opportunities in the sport, leisure and recreation industries, education, sport development, youth work, and health and medical fields linked to physical activity and sport. The courses also equip students to take on volunteer and leadership roles in community activities.

Course outcomes

The Physical Education Studies courses are designed to facilitate achievement of the following outcomes.

• Outcome 1 – Skills for physical activity
  Students apply decision-making, movement and tactical skills to enhance participation in physical activity.
• Outcome 2 – Self-management and interpersonal skills for physical activity
  Students apply self-management and interpersonal skills to enhance participation in physical activity.
• Outcome 3 – Knowledge and understanding of movement and conditioning concepts for physical activity
  Students understand movement and conditioning concepts that enhance participation in physical activity.
• Outcome 4 – Knowledge and understanding of sport psychology concepts for physical activity
  Students understand mental skills, motor learning, coaching and tactical concepts that inform the enhancement of participation in physical activity.