Physical Education

At Oakleigh Primary School participation by the students in physical activity and health programs is valued and encouraged. We strive for each student to fit, happy and healthy in all aspects of their lives and consider physical health an integral component of this.

Oakleigh Primary School offers students 1 x 50 minute lesson with a specialist Physical Education teacher. These lessons are based on the development of fundamental motor skills (Prep – Year 2) progressing into the minor and major games (Years 3-6) that use these skills.

All students participate in a number of programs along their journey through school that complement the skills and games learnt in physical education class. They include the following:

Perceptual Motor Program: A program offered to Prep students. This program aims to develop a student’s perception of the space around them, sequential memory using auditory and visual stimulus, confidence, social skills in sharing and participating and motor skills that are sport specific. This program runs with the assistance of parents.

Fitness Club: This club is offered to all students in the school and aims to promote a consistently healthy lifestyle. It is an individual, non-competitive club that utilises the schools surroundings as a running track. Twice a week before school students run laps of the track and have the number completed recorded by our Year 6 sport leaders. It is a fantastic community club that involves not only students but also mums and dads, pets and even the odd teacher having a run.

Swimming: Each year students participate in an intensive swimming program that runs over a two week period. Learning to swim and water safety knowledge are an important part of growing up in Australia. The students participate in small groups with qualified coaches at local swim centres.

Years 3 – 6 House Competition:  All students in Year 3-6 participate annually in the school Cross Country and the Athletics carnivals. Both events offer the opportunity for students, in a supportive and  enjoyable atmosphere. to showcase their talents or to participate and improve on a personal best.  These events are used to select the schools cross country and athletics squads that will represent the school at District level.

Interschool Sport: Year 5 & 6 students participate in a Summer and Winter season competition against local schools from the Oakleigh District. A final Gala Day involving all schools completes each of these seasons. The winning team progresses to the next level representing the Oakleigh District and their school.

Sport Development Program: This Year 4 program focuses on preparation for Interschool sport in Year 5. The students rotate through the sports on offer during Interschool sport and learn the rules and strategies of that sport. Led by the Physical Education teacher, and assisted by the classroom teachers, the students gain confidence in each sport and carry that through to their participation in senior sport the following year.