At Mount Albert Grammar, our Physical Education programme empowers students to explore movement, develop physical competence, and understand the value of lifelong participation in physical activity. Grounded in the New Zealand Curriculum, PE contributes to the holistic development of our students by promoting wellbeing through the dimensions of Hauora (Te Whare Tapa Whā), active participation, and critical thinking.
Our programme supports students to:
- Build physical and interpersonal skills through a wide range of activities.
- Understand and apply biophysical knowledge to understand how the body functions and performs including anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, skill learning theory and sport psychology.
- Understand how physical activity is influenced via sociocultural factors such as cultural values, access to resources, societal pressures and economic status.
- Learn to set goals, reflect on performance, and make informed decisions to improve their own health and physical performance.
- Develop key competencies such as managing self, relating to others, participating and contributing and developing personal and social responsibility.
Our goal is to nurture students who are confident, connected, and actively contributing members of their communities—now and in the future.
Physical Education is a university approved subject allowing students the opportunity to continue their learning into their tertiary years.
Years 9 and 10
Our junior Physical Education programmes provide ākonga with diverse and engaging learning experiences designed to develop essential physical, interpersonal, and personal skills.
Through a range of movement contexts and use of varied facilities, students are continuously challenged to grow their confidence, resilience, and cooperation with others. Interpersonal skills are assessed throughout the year as students participate in individual and team-based activities that encourage communication, leadership, and teamwork.
By the end of the programme, ākonga will have enhanced their physical competence, gained valuable knowledge, and developed skills that extend well beyond the classroom—supporting their wellbeing and success in both school and life.
Years 11-13
Our senior Physical Education programmes empower ākonga to deepen their understanding of physical activity through a holistic exploration of its biophysical and sociocultural foundations.
Across two dynamic pathways, students are immersed in authentic, hands-on experiences that include coaching, performance training, cultural games like Ki o Rahi, and exciting challenges such as the Tough Guy/Gal Challenge, surf camp, aquathlon, and lawn bowls. These opportunities are designed to ignite passion, develop confidence, and foster leadership—all while applying theory to real-world movement contexts.
Performance PE nurtures the social, emotional, intellectual, and cultural capabilities of our learners. By engaging with topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, influences on participation, and the significance of global sporting events, students critically examine the role of movement in society and in their own lives. They are encouraged to question, reflect, and connect theory to practice while developing a deep appreciation for physical activity’s contribution to hauora and lifelong wellbeing.
By the end of their senior journey, ākonga emerge as physically literate individuals who can confidently advocate for and participate in physical activity—understanding its value, impact, and relevance well beyond the school gates.
Career pathways
Studying in this area opens doors to a wide range of exciting and meaningful career pathways. Students will develop knowledge and skills that can lead to further education and employment in fields such as:
Education and Teaching, Social Services, Health Promotion, Policing, Childcare, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition, Law, Sports Psychology, Nursing, Sport Management, Personal Training, Rehabilitation, Human Movement Science, Coaching, Outdoor and Adventure Education, Health Science, and even Medicine.
This course provides a strong foundation for those passionate about working with people, improving wellbeing, and making a positive impact through health and movement.
