Health and Physical Education
At St Mary’s, Health and Physical Education is all about helping students look after their own health and wellbeing while supporting those around them. We focus on keeping them safe, active, and ready to adapt to different challenges. Our main goal is to provide a strong foundation so students can confidently carry these skills into the wider sporting community and become lifelong participants in sport.
Throughout the year, students at St Mary’s participate in a variety of major sporting events. At the start of the year, Foundation to Year 6 students take part in our intensive Water Safety Program, which teaches the fundamentals of aquatic safety and water confidence. Our senior students also refine their stroke techniques during this time in preparation for the School Swimming Sports.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to compete in our School-wide Cross Country carnival and our Athletics sports, which feature both track and field events. For those who excel, these events offer a pathway to next-level interschool competitions, allowing students to challenge themselves on a greater stage. Our senior students also represent St Mary's in various sporting days, competing against other schools in sports of their choice.
Every class participates in a dedicated 60-minute Physical Education lesson each week. The PE curriculum strongly focuses on Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)—the essential 'building blocks' for more complex sports and movement. These core skills include catching, running, vertical jumping, overhand throwing, ball bouncing, leaping, dodging, kicking, forehand striking, and two-handed striking. Alongside FMS, our curriculum covers fitness education, athletics, and minor games.
In the junior years, emphasis is placed on developing basic movement patterns. To kick this off, Foundation students participate in a Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) during Term 1. This specialized, movement-based program is designed to connect their senses with their physical capabilities, bridging the gap between perception and motor skills.
From Term 2 onward, junior students shift focus to core fundamental motor skills like catching, throwing, jumping, and kicking. Modified games are introduced at this level to foster a sense of sharing, cooperation, and positive social interaction.
In Years 3–4, students are taught a broad range of transitional lead-up skills required for modified team games. These skills are practiced individually before being incorporated into real game situations.
As students enter Years 5–6, these skills are highly refined, and game tactics are introduced. Senior students take part in a diverse range of sports designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and communication skills, alongside physical attributes like balance, coordination, and strategic awareness.
Ultimately, Physical Education at St Mary’s is about more than just playing games; it is about building character. By blending skill development with teamwork and sportsmanship, we aim to instill a deep sense of confidence in every student. Whether they are pursuing elite pathways or simply playing for the joy of fitness, we strive to ensure that every child leaves St Mary’s equipped with the physical literacy and positive mindset needed to lead a healthy, active, and fulfilling life.