HEALTH, OUTDOOR AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Health, Outdoor and Physical Education (HOPE) program at Calwell High School is designed to support students in developing lifelong approaches to health, wellbeing and physical activity.
Through the Health curriculum, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible, informed decisions about their personal health and wellbeing. Learning experiences encourage students to think critically, solve problems and take increasing responsibility for their choices and actions. A strong emphasis is placed on building self-respect, self-discipline and tolerance, helping students to work positively with others in a range of settings.
Within physical activity and sport contexts, students develop confidence, teamwork and decision-making skills while engaging in a wide variety of activities. Participation across multiple sports supports the development of fundamental movement skills and promotes enjoyment of being physically active. Learning experiences are carefully sequenced to challenge student thinking and creativity, while remaining relevant to the needs of students as they progress through adolescence.
HOPE classes at Calwell High School are delivered in Junior (Years 7-8) and Senior (Years 9-10) groupings. Programs include a balanced combination of theory and practical learning.
In addition to curriculum delivery, Calwell High School hosts annual Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals, providing students with opportunities to participate, compete and represent their house and school. The HOPE team also coordinates a wide range of interschool sporting opportunities, including sports such as rugby league, basketball, soccer, futsal, Oztag, league tag, netball, and beach volleyball.
Sports Coaching and Management
Sports Coaching and Management at Calwell High School is a semester long course designed for senior (year 9 and 10) students who are interested in leadership and coaching, sport, teamwork and event organisation.
Throughout the course, students develop the skills and knowledge required to plan, deliver and evaluate sporting activities and events in real-world contexts. Learning focuses on coaching techniques, leadership styles, communication, risk management, teamwork and ethical decision-making. Students are encouraged to take responsibility, demonstrate initiative and lead others in positive and inclusive ways.
A key feature of the course is its strong emphasis on authentic learning experiences. Students apply their learning by coaching peers and younger students, organising and running sporting activities and events, and reflecting on their performance as coaches and leaders. This culminates in opportunities such as planning and delivering structured sporting experiences for local primary school students.
Through both practical and theory-based learning, students build confidence, resilience and leadership skills that are transferable beyond school and into community, sport and future pathways.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education at Calwell High School provides senior students (year 9 and 10) with hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, resilience and teamwork through a range of outdoor activities. Students will have opportunities to experience activities such as canoeing, abseiling, caving, climbing and snorkelling, all delivered in a safe, supportive and inclusive setting. Alongside practical applications, students will explore topics such as risk management, leadership, environmental awareness and personal growth.
The course reflects Calwell High School’s values of Respect, Achievement, Self-discipline and Courage, with a strong emphasis on safe participation, personal responsibility and working effectively with others. Outdoor Education is ideal for students who enjoy practical learning, challenge themselves and want to build skills that transfer beyond the classroom and into life.
Advanced Outdoor Education
Advanced Outdoor Education is a year-long elective designed for students who have successfully completed Outdoor Education in Year 9 and are ready to take their learning further.
This application only course offers students the opportunity to build on their existing skills through bigger challenges and longer expeditions, including extended camps and multi-day experiences. Throughout the year, students will take part in activities such as surfing, snorkelling, overnight bushwalking, cross-country skiing and canyoning, developing both technical competence and confidence in diverse outdoor environments.
Advanced Outdoor Education places a strong focus on teamwork, leadership, resilience and problem-solving, encouraging students to work collaboratively and support one another in real-world situations. Students will also continue to develop outdoor skills, environmental awareness and personal responsibility beyond the classroom.
This program is ideal for students who enjoy challenge, are motivated to push themselves, and want to deepen their connection with the outdoors through meaningful and memorable experiences.
