EDUC3524 Health and Physical Education Curriculum Studies

This topic addresses the preparation for teaching Health and Physical Education in primary school settings. It encompasses the nature, rationale, aims, content, teaching methodology and assessment methods appropriate for this learning area. Health and Physical Education is unique in that it is the only learning area emphasising explicitly the dimensions of Learner Wellbeing and Personal and Social Development as strands of learning. Current philosophies of Health Education and Physical Education such as Health Literacy, Physical Literacy and Sport Literacy are also introduced and explored.

To give students the opportunity to:

• Explore the Health Promoting and Active Schools concepts
• Develop a working familiarisation with relevant curriculum frameworks and curriculum development processes for Health and Physical Education
• Discuss and practise relevant teaching approaches
• Explore legal, gender and equity issues and their impact upon curriculum and pedagogy
• Practise class management in 'laboratory' physical education activity settings
• Critically analyse assessment and reporting in health and physical education
• Consider choices of teaching resources
• Develop unit and lesson planning skills

1. Explain the value and place of Health and Physical Education in the primary years curriculum
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how to use current Health and Physical Education curriculum documentation
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the Health Promoting and Active Schools concepts
4. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental movement skill learning and assessment principles and the principles involved in skill learning and performance
5. Plan, prepare, conduct and evaluate effective physical education and health units of work and lessons appropriate to primary school children
6. Identify, appraise and use appropriate health and physical education teaching resources
7. Explain and demonstrate how to modify learning activities to meet the needs of learners
8. Select and implement a range of appropriate curriculum models and instructional/pedagogical approaches