Semester Highlights & Inspiring Growth Through Sport and Wellbeing

This semester in PDHPE, our students have embraced a dynamic mix of classroom theory and practical learning, engaging in topics that reflect the holistic nature of health, wellbeing, and personal development. From navigating adolescence to building resilience and learning the fundamentals of teamwork, students have gained knowledge and skills that will serve them well both inside and outside of school.

In the Classroom

Our theoretical units have encouraged meaningful conversations, critical thinking, and self-reflection across all year levels:

• Year 7 explored the physical and emotional changes of puberty, learning about body image, identity, and healthy coping strategies in a supportive and respectful environment.

• Year 8 focused on drugs and alcohol, where students learned about the risks, impacts, and influences around substance use. They developed harm minimisation strategies and explored the role of media, peer influence, and the law in shaping decision-making.

• Year 9 took a deep dive into mental health and wellbeing, learning how to recognise signs of mental health challenges, understand the importance of self-care, and seek support for themselves or their peers. A key message was reinforced throughout: It’s okay to not be okay, and seeking help is not a weakness — it is power.

• Year 10 participated in thoughtful and age-appropriate lessons on sexual relationships, where consent, communication, and respect were central themes. These sessions aligned with national curriculum standards and encouraged students to consider their values, boundaries, and rights in relationships.

In Practical Lessons

Our practical units this semester have provided students with opportunities to move, challenge themselves, and develop physically through a wide range of activities:

• Year 7 and 8 participated in gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics, where students developed coordination, strength, flexibility, and creativity by building sequences that incorporated balance, control, and teamwork.

• Across all year levels, students developed skills in court sports such as basketball, netball, and volleyball, focusing on tactics, movement, and communication.

• Striking sports like cricket, tee-ball, and softball provided opportunities to refine technical skills, practise strategic play, and enjoy friendly competition in a supportive environment.

We are proud of the way our students have stepped up, embraced challenges, and supported each other in and out of class. Their growth in confidence, teamwork, empathy, and physical literacy has been inspiring.

Back Yourself – Strive for Greatness in Sport and PDHPE

"Don’t live with the ‘what if’ — believe in your potential, and take the shot."

This semester, we’ve encouraged our students to embrace a powerful mindset: to talk positively, to back themselves, and to strive for greatness. We’ve taken inspiration from one of the world’s most iconic sporting organisations, Liverpool Football Club, a team built on belief, passion, and the commitment to push limits and never give up.

In PDHPE, we know that greatness doesn’t start on the scoreboard, it starts in the mind. A student who steps up with the mindset of “I can do this” is already halfway to success. We encourage our students to move past fear, to block out self-doubt, and to never be held back by the question, “What if?”

Liverpool’s message, “This means more,” reflects the passion and pride they carry into every match — and we want our students to carry that same sense of purpose into every lesson, every challenge, and every opportunity. Whether in gymnastics, striking sports, mental health discussions or navigating respectful relationships, our students are building resilience, leadership, and the confidence to take on life’s challenges.

So as we look ahead to next semester, we remind our students:

• Back yourself.

• Speak like someone who believes they can.

• Strive for greatness — in sport, in learning, and in life.

• And never settle for the ‘what if.’

Because this — your growth, your effort, your journey — means more.

– The PDHPE Team