Health and Physical Education
The below units are available for Senior School students interested in studying Health and Physical Education.
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E
Level A
HPA13: The Bare Necessities
Bare Necessities explores the physical and emotional changes and challenges students face during the early years of secondary school. Areas of study include relationships, drugs and alcohol, puberty and mental health. The unit aims to build students’ understanding of these topics while promoting responsible decision-making and self-awareness. The practical component provides opportunities to develop fundamental motor skills through minor games, swimming techniques and team-based sports such as Teeball and Netball. This compulsory unit supports students in building confidence, resilience and a healthy approach to both physical activity and personal development.
HPA15: Wide World of Sports
Wide World of Sports introduces students to the sporting world from a global perspective. Students will explore the rich history of the Olympic Games and investigate how sport has become deeply embedded in cultures around the world. Through this lens, they will examine the cultural significance of sport, the common threads that connect communities to sporting traditions, and the various enablers and barriers to participation. The unit also explores the critical role of sponsorship in the growth, sustainability, or decline of sports. Each week, students will participate in a practical session featuring a lesser-known sport, offering a hands-on experience that broadens their understanding of global sporting diversity.
Level B
HPB11: Bushwhacked
Bushwhacked utilises the foundations of Outdoor Education in its teaching program, incorporating a variety of activities to engage students with theoretical concepts. These concepts are intentionally integrated to connect with life beyond the classroom and school environment. Canoeing is employed as a tool to explore risk management and foster informed decision-making skills. Mountain biking serves as a catalyst for planning skill improvement, goal setting, and meaningful reflection. In addition, orienteering enhances students' exposure to and engagement with the natural environment, promoting personal well-being. Rock climbing provides a physical challenge for students. Furthermore, Bushwhacked places a strong emphasis on participation and teamwork, expecting full involvement from all students in every class.
HPB15: Mind Body and Soul
Mind, Body & Soul promotes a positive and healthy lifestyle by focusing on the wellbeing of the mind, body, and soul. Drawing on resources from the World Health Organization, the subject is grounded in the belief that a healthy body supports a healthy mind. Students will explore their personal identity and place in the world, while learning strategies to build resilience and embrace acceptance as a natural part of life. The unit also covers how to maintain physical and mental health through balanced activity and nutrition. In practical sessions, students will experience a variety of activities including Tai Chi, meditation, yoga, as well as mainstream options such as circuit training, badminton, table tennis, pickleball, and minor games.
HPB16: Fit for Life
Fit for Life supports students in understanding themselves and others within a diverse and changing world. The unit explores physical, social and emotional challenges associated with adolescence, with a focus on sexual health, gender, respect and relationships. Students develop awareness of consent laws and sexual assault to promote healthy relationships. They also build skills in applying both mental health first aid and physical first aid to support their peers. Through a combination of theory and practical Physical Education classes, students have opportunities to develop leadership skills, with an emphasis on collaboration, communication and critical thinking. Practical activities include sport education units in badminton, lacrosse and swimming.
Level C
HPC10: Health Matters
Want to know why some people live long, healthy lives while others face huge challenges? In this subject, you’ll dive into real-world health issues—from youth wellbeing in Australia to global health gaps—and discover how culture, community, and systems like Medicare shape our lives. In this subject, students will compare health and wellbeing in low-, middle- and high-income countries and investigate what is being done to reduce global health gaps. Students will examine common health issues affecting Australian youth and learn how these issues impact the different dimensions of health and wellbeing. The subject includes a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, looking at how culture, land and community influence health. Students will also learn how the Australian healthcare system works, including what Medicare and private health insurance cover, and how young people can access and use healthcare services.
HPC12: Huff and Puff
Huff and Puff is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the role nutrition, sport science and training programs play in helping athletes perform at their peak. Students will write personalised training programs, analyse nutritional choices and explore how energy is produced by muscles. This knowledge empowers students to make informed, healthy and active decisions for themselves and others. Students are expected to participate in high-intensity training such as resistance, HIIT and aerobic endurance sessions, culminating in a mini-triathlon. This unit is ideal for students considering VCE Physical Education or IB Sport Science, but is beneficial for anyone interested in health, fitness or sports performance.
HPC13: Life’s Essentials
Life’s Essentials students investigate topics such as independence, identity, sexuality and relationships, substance use and abuse and mental health challenges. They develop harm minimisation strategies tailored to the risks they identify, promoting informed and responsible decision-making. The practical component of the unit focuses on team building, initiative activities and fitness, alongside a variety of sports including korfball, golf and volleyball. This unit supports students in building resilience, self-awareness and healthy habits during a formative stage of their development.
HPC14: A Drop in the Ocean
A Drop in the Ocean is designed for students with a keen interest in water and aquatic activities. Practical sessions are held at the Goodfellow Aquatic Centre, where students will learn to play underwater hockey and water polo, explore the basics of snorkelling and underwater photography, and develop essential water safety skills. The theory component covers the rules and strategies of underwater sports, the science behind snorkelling, and the significance of freshwater in society. Students will also investigate human interaction with the ocean and explore sustainability issues, focusing on how we can preserve and protect marine environments for future generations.
Level D
HPD10: Just for the Health of it
In this subject, students explore the many factors that influence health and wellbeing in Australia and globally. They will learn how health is measured, examine the health status of young people, and investigate Australia’s health system, including Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and private health insurance. Students will compare biomedical and social models of health, analyse health promotion programs through the Ottawa Charter, and consider the impact of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students will develop a broad understanding of health challenges worldwide, while building a strong foundation for VCE Health and Human development. Practical classes will run approximately every second week.
HPD15: Just Do It! Coach!
Just Do It Coach! is designed for students interested in developing their leadership and sports coaching skills. Students apply leadership theory, explore various coaching styles, and learn how to design sequential lessons and manage athletes. These skills are put into practice through peer and Junior School coaching sessions. In addition, students complete the Australian Sports Commission’s Community Coaching – Essential Skills online course, gaining accreditation upon successful completion. This unit provides a strong foundation for students considering future roles in coaching, teaching or leadership within sport and recreation settings.
Level E
HPE11: Beyond the Basics
Beyond the Basics is an engaging subject that encourages students to explore the connection between human physiology and sporting performance. Through a combination of practical activities, laboratory sessions and workshops, students build on their existing knowledge of the body and its systems. They investigate how the body produces energy for movement, how biomechanics can enhance performance, and how the muscular and cardiorespiratory systems adapt to physical activity over time. This unit introduces foundational concepts in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and exercise physiology, providing a strong base for students considering VCE Physical Education or IB Sport Science.
Offered in Semester 2 only
