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Rationale

The study of VCE Physical Education enables students to integrate a contemporary understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of performance and participation in physical activity with practical application. Through engagement in physical activities, VCE Physical Education enables students to develop the knowledge and skills required to critically evaluate influences that affect their own and others’ performance and participation in physical activity.

This study equips students with the appropriate knowledge and skills to plan, develop and maintain their involvement in physical activity, sport and exercise across their lifespan and to understand the physical, social, emotional and cognitive health benefits associated with being active. The study also prepares students for employment and/or further study at the tertiary level or in vocational education and training settings in fields such as exercise and sport science, health science, education, recreation, sport development and coaching, health promotion and related careers.

Aims

This study enables students to:

• use practical activities to underpin contemporary theoretical understanding of the influences on participation and performance in physical activity, sport and exercise

• develop an understanding of the anatomical, biomechanical, physiological and skill acquisition principles, and of behavioural, psychological, environmental and sociocultural influences on performance and participation in physical activity across the lifespan

• engage in physical activity and movement experiences to determine and analyse how the body systems work together to produce and refine movement

• critically evaluate changes in participation from a social-ecological perspective and performance in physical activity, sport and exercise through monitoring, testing and measuring of key parameters.

 

​Structure

The study is made up of four units:
Unit 1: The human body in motion
Unit 2: Physical activity, sport and society
Unit 3: Movement skills and energy for physical activity
Unit 4: Training to improve performance