Health and Physical Education

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The academic group of Health and Physical Education offers students opportunities to study and expand their skills, knowledge and competency in the fields of physical education, health, sport, aquatics, games, movement and dance, exercise, te reo kori, recreation and outdoor education. We promote a culture of high quality scholarship that supports teaching, research, debate, collaboration and innovation.

Our courses have a strong professional focus on the educational practice of health and physical education. Students are expected to learn and refine:

• the skills and knowledge necessary to understand the meaning, context and relevance of teaching health and physical education in New Zealand

• the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to gather, interpret and express ideas about the professional practice of health and physical education in New Zealand.

Our teaching is based on the belief that understanding, using and caring for the body depends on experiencing, learning and participating in a range of structured and unstructured physical and health activities and tasks. Students are expected to participate in physical activities, in health seminars and group learning activities, and experience a variety of school environments.

The faculty has its own sporting facilities, including a 25 m heated pool, tennis courts, a gymnasium, a fitness centre and dance studios. We also run off-site activities including track and field athletics, outdoor education camps, visiting and staying at a marae and games and sports education at local venues.