School PDHPE Students Educational Programs
The University of Newcastle exercise and sports science practitioners deliver quality athlete testing to sporting organisations and individual athletes using the latest equipment and expertise available. These tests are tailored to individual, or team needs and are designed to give an accurate representation of an individual’s athletic ability and sports-specific fitness.
The Trevor Height Athlete Testing facility is dedicated to providing students with hands-on, practical experiences that enhance their understanding of sport and exercise science principles. We offer a range of educational programs designed to align with school curricula and learning outcomes, providing students with the opportunity to explore the science behind athletic performance, health, and fitness.
Program Highlights:
Interactive Learning: Students engage in interactive sessions where they can apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, exploring areas such as fitness testing, exercise physiology, biomechanics and sports psychology.
State-of-the-Art Equipment: Our facility is equipped with the latest technology in athlete testing and performance analysis, allowing students to experience the tools and techniques used by professional athletes and sports scientists.
Curriculum Alignment: Our programs are tailored to meet the specific educational requirements of various school subjects, including Years 11-12 HSC Health and Movement Science (PDHPE), and Years 7-10 PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies). We ensure that our content supports and enhances classroom learning.
Expert Instruction: Programs are delivered by degree-qualified exercise scientists and educators who provide expert guidance and insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Custom Programs: We offer flexibility in program design, allowing schools to choose from a range of topics and activities that best meet their students’ needs and interests. This customization ensures that the educational experience is both relevant and engaging.
WHAT WE OFFER SCHOOLS
Educational Experience
These sessions generally run for 3-5 hours and can be tailored to focus on specific topics or body systems. Educational sessions involve a combination of theoretical and practical activities designed to meet the level of study.
Students learn effectively in the applied laboratory environment. Complex theoretical subjects such as energy systems are more readily grasped when participating in, or observing, the actual test.
Year 7-10 Physical Activity and Sports Studies students
- Providing a practical/theoretical learning environment for students studying the PASS elective focusing on Foundations of Physical Activity and Enhancing Participation and performance. These sessions emphasise hands-on learning experiences with related theoretical elements to promote interaction and problem-solving.
Year 11 and 12 Health and Movement Science (PDHPE) Students
- Providing an applied laboratory environment that supports teachers and students in understanding complexities of The Body and Mind in Motion, and Training for Improved Performance. These sessions combine practical experiences with critical thinking and data analysis to reinforce and extend learning.
Depth Studies
- Our athlete testing Centre is the perfect setting for depth studies focused on understanding and/or improving performance. We provide pre- and post-session learning materials aligned with our practical experiences to ensure development of knowledge, understanding, and skill development.
Lab Experiences
- The state-of-the-art Hunter Sports Centre facilities allow students to participate in their own high performance sport testing. Under the guidance of the University of Newcastle Exercise and Sport Science team, school students can conduct tests and collect data, as well as observe demonstrations. HSC’s unique facilities provide a fantastic learning opportunity to supplement students’ school studies.
Lab experiences may include:
- VO₂ max/sub-max testing (energy systems)
- Force plate testing (strength/power/biomechanics)
- Sprint testing using timing gates (speed/change of direction)
PASS Program
Physical Activity and Sports Studies
Pass Program
Minimum of 3 hours cost per student $44 | Minimum 15 max 25 students
Additional Students (over 25) cost per student $24
Additional hour per student $8 (per hour)
The High School PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies) program excursion offers an immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of sports science. This excursion provides students with an engaging learning environment that enhances their understanding of body systems, energy for physical activity, physical performance, and the role of technology in sports.
Session options:
Body Systems & Energy for Physical Activity (1.5 – 2 h): Students will explore the major body systems involved in physical activity through practical activities like VO2max and sprint testing.
Fundamentals of Movement Skill Development (1 h): Students will explore and analyse the movement skills required for successful performance in sport (e.g. what contributes to successful soccer dribbling?)
Enhancing Physical Performance (2 h): Students will explore a range of performance analysis/evaluation techniques and discuss how results can be used to enhance performance.
Technology in Sports (2 h): Students will be introduced to the latest technologies used in sports science, including wearable devices, performance analysis software, force plates and timing gates. They will gain insights into how technology is used to monitor performance.
Coaching (1.5 – 2 h): Students will explore best-practice approaches to coaching and will test their skills in designing and facilitating training activities.
Program Activities:
Interactive Workshops: Sessions led by exercise and sport science professionals where students can ask questions, participate in discussions, and engage in hands-on learning.
Practical Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of how body systems function during physical activity, using real-time data and technology.
Performance Analysis: Students will conduct performance analysis using technology, learning how to assess and improve athletic performance.
Group Challenges: Practical challenges designed to test students’ knowledge and application of energy systems, body systems, and performance enhancement strategies.
Outcomes:
By the end of the excursion, students will have a deeper understanding of the physiological and technological aspects of exercise and sport science. They will be equipped with practical knowledge that they can apply in their studies and future endeavors in physical activity and sports.
This program aligns with the PASS curriculum objectives, providing comprehensive learning experience that supports students in achieving their academic goals while fostering a passion for exercise and sport science
Depth Studies
Depth Studies
Depth Studies
Minimum of 3 hours cost per student $44 | Minimum 15 max 25 students
Additional Students (over 25) cost per student $24
Additional hour per student $8 (per hour)
This specialised excursion is tailored for Year 11 and 12 students engaged in an advanced study of sports science, with a particular focus on conducting a depth study. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, enabling students to delve deeply into a specific aspect of sports science.
Practical experiences will be supplemented with pre- and post-session learning materials. The practical experiences will find a balance between directed learning and flexibility for students/teachers to adapt the specific focus of the depth study.
Focus Areas:
Analysing Sport-Specific Demands: Students will undertake a detailed study of musculoskeletal contributions to athletic performance. This will include video analysis of specific sporting movements, implementation of strength and power testing, and determination of key components of athlete training programs.
Advanced Energy Systems and Performance: The program will cover advanced topics in energy metabolism, including the biochemical processes behind aerobic and anaerobic energy production. Students will also conduct field and lab tests to assess aerobic and anaerobic energy expenditure.
Biomechanical analysis: In this program, students will gain an understanding of projectile motion from a biomechanical perspective. We will teach practical skills on how to measure the angle of projection, the velocity of projection and the relative height of projection and how to optimise these variables to enhance athletic performance.
Technology and Data Analysis in Sports Science: Students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology used in sports science research, such as motion capture systems, wearable sensors, and performance analysis software. They will learn how to collect, interpret, and report data to inform training and performance strategies.
Talent Identification and Development: Students will study the best-practice principles of talent identification and development, with specific emphasis on youth sport. Students will also gain hands-on experience implementing tests that are typically included in multi-dimensional testing of youth sport athletes (e.g. speed, power, endurance, coordination).
Program Activities:
Specialised Workshops: Led by exercise and sports science professionals, these workshops will focus on the depth study topics, providing students with the opportunity to engage in discussions, conduct experiments, and receive feedback on their research approaches.
Laboratory Sessions: Students will have access to sports science laboratories, where they can conduct experiments related to their chosen depth study topic. These sessions will allow for hands-on learning and data collection.
Case Studies and Analysis: Students will work on real-world case studies, applying their knowledge to solve complex problems in sports science. This will include the use of technology and data analysis to draw meaningful conclusions.
Group Projects and Presentations: Students will collaborate on group projects that require them to apply their learning to a specific research question. They will present their findings to their peers, simulating the experience of reporting to different stakeholders.
Outcomes:
By the end of the excursion, students will have gained a deep and nuanced understanding of their chosen area of study within sports science. They will be equipped with research skills and practical experience in data analysis. This program will not only support their academic achievement in Year 11 and 12 but also prepare them for further studies or careers in sports science and related fields.
This excursion aligns with the depth study requirements of the Year 11 and 12 Health and Movement Science curriculum, offering students a unique opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills in a focused and supportive environment.
Year 11 Programs
Learning Mapped to syllabus
Minimum of 3 hours cost per student $44 | Minimum 15 max 25 students
Additional Students (over 25) cost per student $24
Additional hour per student $8 (per hour)
PROGRAM | SYLLABUS MAPPING | DURATION |
Energy Systems: Assessing aerobic capacity using lab and/or field tests (e.g. VO2max) | The Body and Mind in Motion What factors influence movement and performance? Immediate physiological responses to training · Heart rate · Ventilation rate · Stroke volume · Cardiac output · Lactate levels | 2 hours |
Musculoskeletal: Assessing muscular strength and endurance using a variety of tests. | The Body and Mind in Motion Explain the interrelationship between the skeletal and muscular systems and movement. Including: · Structure and function · Characteristics and functions of muscle fibres · Types of muscle contractions | 1 hour |
Biomechanics – Force: Examine how the body produces and absorbs force | The Body and Mind in Motion Outline the interrelationship between biomechanical principles and the muscles, bones and joints of the body for safe movement. Including: · Investigating the production and absorption of force. · How biomechanical principles are applied to human movement, including motion, balance and stability, fluid mechanics and force · How biomechanical principles can be used to enhance safe movements · How biomechanical principles can be used to increase movement efficiency
| 1 hour |
Biomechanics – Balance and stability: Assess factors that influence balance and centre of pressure | The Body and Mind in Motion Outline the interrelationship between biomechanical principles and the muscles, bones and joints of the body for safe movement. Including: · Investigating the production and absorption of force. · How biomechanical principles are applied to human movement, including motion, balance and stability, fluid mechanics and force · How biomechanical principles can be used to enhance safe movements · How biomechanical principles can be used to increase movement efficiency
| 1 hour |
Year 12 Programs
Learning Mapped to syllabus
Minimum of 3 hours cost per student $44 | Minimum 15 max 25 students
Additional Students (over 25) cost per student $24
Additional hour per student $8 (per hour)
PROGRAM | SYLLABUS MAPPING | DURATION |
Skill Acquisition: Compare methods of training to improve skilled performance | Training for Improved Performance How does training influence movement and performance? Assess the types of training and training methods and their relevance for a variety of sports. Including: · Skill and tactical development, including drills, modified games and games for specific outcomes | 2 hours |
Psychology: Develop a pre-performance routine to manage stress/anxiety and improve performance | Training for Improved Performance How does training differ for individual and group sports? Investigate how individual and group sports apply psychological strategies, optimising arousal and management of stress and anxiety, to improve participation and performance | 1 hour |
Technology: Investigating the role and advancement of technology in sport | Training for Improved Performance How do individuals train for sustained movement and performance? Examine the role technology can play to improve performance. Including: · Training innovations · Equipment advances · Recording and monitoring performance
| 2 hours |
Biomechanics: Assess movement competency through different planes of motion. | Training for Improved Performance How do individuals train for sustained movement and performance? Explain how biomechanics can be used to develop efficient movements for sustained movement and improved performance.
| 2 hours |
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