Physical Education

There is something very special and unique about Physical Education and Sport at Hartwell Primary School, and that is every student is equipped with their Hartwell ‘have a go’ attitude. Every student is encouraged to have fun in PE, be their best self and just have a go!

We want our students to experience Physical Literacy, to build the foundation for a lifelong connection to physical activity. We want to motivate, to upskill, to build knowledge, self-efficacy and confidence in young people to lead an active life and scaffold their health and wellbeing.

Students in Prep to Yr. 2 begin their Physical Education learning through ‘play with purpose’ games to develop and refine their fundamental motor skills: throw, catch, kick, punt, bounce, strike, run, hop, jump, skip. Small sided, co-operative games develop collaboration, integrity, optimism and resilience. Respect and empathy is also fostered as students learn about being a responsible team mate.

A ’game sense’ approach sees students in Yrs. 3-6 grow their complex movement skills as they explore tactics and strategies across a range of invasion games, net/wall games, striking/fielding games and target games. Students grow in their ability to transfer their learning across like sports, hence giving them the confidence to take on any challenge and any game/sport that they want!

Yr. 5 & 6 students participate in 100 minutes of weekly sport which sees the development of sport specific skills in major games. Throughout Term 1 & 2, Yr. 6 students participate in weekly interschool matches against schools in the Glen Iris District, providing many physical, cognitive and social benefits. Sports include: T20 Cricket, Hot Shots Tennis, Volleyball, Tee Ball, Soccer, Football, Softball and Netball. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Hoop Time Basketball, Lacrosse, Hockey, Gymnastics, Badminton, Pickleball, Touch Football, Golf and Lawn Bowls. A structured swimming program is offered to P-Yr. 4 students.

Hartwell operates a House system, building a further connectedness to school and providing leadership opportunities to Yr. 6 students. Students participate in a whole school House Cross Country event, House Athletics Carnival (3-6), Tabloid Athletics (P-2) and House Swimming Carnival (3-6). As a member of School Sport Victoria, Hartwell students have the opportunity to represent our school at the District, Division, Regional and State level in a multitude of sports.

Hartwell has close links to a range of local sporting clubs and organisations to ensure students and families are given the opportunity to connect with their local community through sport. We also encourage the delivery of sport coaching out of school hours and at lunchtime to ensure students are given every opportunity to be engaged in physical activity. More physically active students have been found to achieve better academic results and physical activity has been positively linked to concentration, memory and behaviour.

Hartwell is a very successful school within the Interschool Competitions. However, importantly we pride ourselves on being inclusive of all levels of ability, inclusive of gender and ensuring all students are encouraged to do their own personal best in a safe, supportive environment.

We are a great team at Hartwell brimming with parent support at any opportunity (and there are plenty), outstanding classroom teachers who are always keen to step up to the plate and a wonderfully supportive leadership team who value Physical Education and Sport as much as our extremely dedicated PE & Sport teaching team. We are all ‘striving for the highest’.

GO HARTWELL!