PE and Health
What is Physical Education & Health all about?
Health and Physical Education focuses on the well-being of students, their communities, and society as a whole. Through learning in both health-related and movement-based contexts, students explore what it means to live well—physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
At the heart of this learning area are four key concepts:
Hauora – a Māori philosophy of well-being that includes spiritual, mental/emotional, physical, and social dimensions, all working together to support overall health.
Attitudes and Values – encouraging students to take responsibility for their own well-being, show respect and care for others, and act with fairness and empathy.
Socio-Ecological Perspective – understanding how individuals, relationships, and society influence each other.
Health Promotion – learning how to create and maintain supportive environments through personal and collective action.
Why study Physical Education and Health?
Through practical challenges and thoughtful reflection, students learn how to promote well-being for themselves and others. They build resilience, develop a strong sense of personal and social responsibility, and gain the tools to make positive contributions to their communities and environments.
This learning goes beyond the classroom. Supported by school-wide policies and a caring community, Health and Physical Education helps students grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals - ready to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
Physical Education
Physical Education at Takapuna Grammar School is a dynamic blend of theory and practical experience. Students develop key life skills - leadership, communication, problem-solving, and self-management - while participating in a wide range of sports and modified games.
The course includes hands-on learning in anatomy and biomechanics, sport science, psychology, social responsibility, and the body’s response to exercise.
This course is ideal for students who enjoy physical activity and want to understand how movement, health, and teamwork contribute to personal and social well-being.
Health
Health challenges students to think critically about the complex factors that influence health - personally, socially, and globally. Through research and analysis, students examine a wide range of health issues and explore how different perspectives shape outcomes for individuals and communities. The course includes in-depth studies of New Zealand and international health practices, contemporary ethical issues, and their impact on well-being. Students learn to evaluate health strategies and consider how cultural, societal, and interpersonal factors affect health decisions.
This course is ideal for students interested in health sciences, social work, education, or any field where understanding people and well-being is key.
Physical Education and Health combined
This combined course brings together elements of both Physical Education and Health, offering students a balanced mix of practical activity and theory-based learning. Students deepen their understanding of health issues that affect individuals, relationships, and society, while also developing physical skills through a variety of sports and modified games.
Students gain valuable life skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and self-management. They explore concepts like social responsibility in physical activity and study health topics such as resiliency and health promotion.
