PE Policy

In a recent article entitled “Good Health, Bad Health” published in Educare News (March 2003) Jeff Emmel makes a strong case for engaging children and adolescents in physical activities. Emmel draws our attention to the “growing risks faced by our young children and their increasingly inactive lifestyle”.

At Pulteney, we see involvement in physical activities as being especially important. A wide range of activities is on offer and participation in these is seen as an important part of a wholesome education. Active involvement by students in such activities is a healthy means of broadening their life experiences, developing social skills, and providing interactions in activities and with people in ways that may not otherwise occur and in ways that support the development of the values espoused by the school. The provision of co-curricular activities in the school setting is seen as important as a means of educating the whole person. They provide opportunities to instil the values of the school through activities that are enjoyable and supportive of the school’s philosophy. They enhance the pursuit of curriculum outcomes rather than being seen as an alternative to them.

This begins in Kurrajong where young children are introduced to activities that develop and improve their gross motor skills. Throughout a student’s life at Pulteney these skills are built on through timetabled physical education lessons and through the school’s activities programmes. Participation is the key. Participation develops a sense of belonging and attachment to the school and so encourages the growth of support networks and positive relationships. The development of skills and interests in physical pursuits provides a foundation for continued involvement beyond the school years (“learning for life”).

There is a degree of compulsion to the programme. Compulsion is necessary to expose young people to a range of experiences that they may otherwise miss. Organised sporting competitions are first introduced at the Prep. School level. In the Middle School and in one ninety there is an abundance of organised competitions. All students are required to be involved in co-curricular activities. In the Middle School all students must do at least three activities, as well as being involved in community service activities (usually charitable works). In Years 10 and 11 the requirement is involvement in at least two co-curricular activities and one community service activity. For Year 12s the requirement is involvement in one co-curricular activity, though most wisely choose to do more than this.

Teams are nominated each season on the basis of student preferences and the school’s ability to cater. The aim is to provide opportunities for all students to be involved in physical activities. Typically the following activities are on offer during the course of the year, but this list changes as student and community interests change - Active 8, Athletics, Ballet (ELC-2), Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket, Cross Country, Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Scheme, Football, Hockey, Indoor soccer, Netball, Rowing, Swimming, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Venture Club, Volleyball, Pedal Prix, and a range of other less regular activities as well as Rungie Cup sporting competitions.

The value of a rich and attractive programme of physical activities is indisputable. It is why we continue to be committed to providing these opportunities and for insisting that our students be involved in them.