Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6 and for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
Mary Brooksbank School (MBS) has sport and physical activity programs for children with a focus on fundamental movement skills. It involves students learning and practising ways of maintaining active and healthy lifestyles.
Staff program movement play with sensory integration using a variety of activities including trampolines, dance, gymnastics, swings and various therapy equipment. Playground activities are actively promoted and students spend time in the playground area for structured and unstructured play where they learn and develop appropriate play skills.
Our students enjoy community access visits to a variety of parks, zoos, aquariums along with swimming, hydrotherapy and water safety in our hydrotherapy pool. We actively participate in the Premiers Sporting Challenge and programs through the School Sports Unit including Come-and-Try Athletics, Boccia, Tenpin Bowling and Multi-Sports Days.
In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:
- Community and Family Studies
- Community and Family Studies Life Skills
- Exploring Early Childhood
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Life Skills
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies.