Physical Education & Health at Te Kauwhata College

At Te Kauwhata College, Physical Education encourages students to live full, active, and satisfying lives. Students engage in challenging, practical activities that help them develop knowledge, skills, and understanding about themselves, others, and society. Through these experiences, students grow their resilience, teamwork, and sports skills.

In Physical Education, it is essential that students demonstrate both personal and social responsibility. These skills are important not only for success in PE but also for their overall growth as individuals and members of our community. When students take responsibility for their actions, contribute positively to group activities, and respect their peers, they create a better learning environment for everyone.

By developing accountability, students learn how their behaviour affects others and their own progress. Negative behaviours like refusing to participate, blaming others, or not following class expectations can slow down individual growth and disrupt the group. Showing social responsibility helps students work together, communicate well, and show empathy. Personal responsibility encourages them to reflect on their actions, set goals, and take ownership of their learning. These life skills are valuable both inside and outside school and reflect our school values of GROW.

  • Our Māori Department has guided us in creating a special kaupapa (initiative) called Te Takohanga o Ngā Manu Mārohirohi, which means “The Responsibility of Hardworking Birds.”
    Takohanga — ResponsibilityManu — BirdMārohirohi — Determined, ambitious, tenacious, brave
    These qualities are embodied by the six birds in our school and reflected in our people — tangata.
    The whakataukī (proverb) supporting this kaupapa comes from Princess Te Puea:
    “Mahia te mahi hei painga mo te iwi.”
    “Work for the betterment and well-being of the people.”

  • In Health and Physical Education, this aligns with our core values:
    Hauora — caring for our physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-beingThe Socio-Ecological Perspective — looking after ourselves, others, and societyHealth Promotion — sharing positive health practicesAttitudes and Values — respect, responsibility, and inclusionThis kaupapa strengthens our shared responsibility to support each other in learning and well-being. It reminds us all of the simple but powerful saying:
    Mahia te mahi — Do the mahi, get the treats.

Physical Education Focus
Our Physical Education programme aims to:

  • Develop students’ knowledge and skills to take action that promotes positive well-being for themselves, others, and society.
  • Engage students in a variety of movement experiences that build competence and confidence while supporting their overall hauora.
  • Foster personal and social responsibility, encouraging students to reflect on their role within their community — including connections to ongoing projects such as our birds mahi.
  • Incorporate regular fitness testing throughout the year to help students track their progress and set personal goals for health and fitness.
  • Health Focus
    Our Health programme supports students to:
  • Understand and apply the concept of hauora — the holistic view of health that includes physical, mental/emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
  • Minimise risk and build protective factors that promote resilience and positive hauora throughout their lives.
  • Explore and reflect on attitudes, values, and behaviours that encourage equity, respect, care, and social justice for themselves and others.
  • Think critically and creatively to develop constructive solutions that enhance well-being for individuals, families, and communities.

Frequently asked questions

Are there prerequisites for the courses?

There are no prerequisites for any of the subjects. However, it is highly recommended that you take the specific subject the year before to gain foundation knowledge for the course.

You can talk to any of the PE teachers to find out more.

Which qualifications can I get?

  • NCEA Level 1 Physical Education
  • NCEA Level 1 Health

 

  • NCEA Level 2 Physical Education
  • NCEA Level 2 Health

 

  • NCEA Level 3 Physical Education
  • NCEA Level 3 Health

What is NCEA?

The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main national qualification for secondary school students in New Zealand. NCEA is recognised by employers, and used for selection by universities and polytechnics, both in New Zealand and overseas.

Visit the NCEA Website for more information.

How do I get in contact with a PE Teacher?

The list of current PE Teachers can be found on the staff page.

Where do I find the online learning content?

Each of the PE & Health classes have their own Google Classroom. Every student will either get an invite or a class code to join at the start of the year.

Google Classroom will have weekly tasks for the students to complete along with communication from their teachers.

A parent or guardian can be added to the classroom under their child’s profile in that Google Classroom to keep a track of their child’s work.

Click here to be redirected to the Google Classroom log in page. Students will use their studentnumber@tkcoll.school.nz and their school password to log in.

How do extensions, resubmission and reassessments work?

Extensions, resubmission and reassessments are available. You must discuss this with your teacher to see if you are eligible for any of the above.