Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
Sports and physical activity
Ashtonfield Public School is committed to providing students Years K-6 with daily physical activity and weekly sport programs.
We have physical activity programs for children from Kindergarten to Year 6, with a focus on fundamental movement skills.
Sport and physical activity is a valued and accepted part of our school's curriculum, contributing to the development of the whole child. It provides a vehicle for social, physical, emotional and moral learning and is an important expression of our culture.
The participation, enjoyment and skill development of our students is the corner-stone of the school sport/ physical activity program. All our students take part in this program.
The schools sport facilities are extensive:
Sporting fields for soccer and football
Our field is used daily by all school members but is also correctly modified for competition games and trials. This facility was donated by Mr Leigh McPherson from Ellemby Resources and Donaldson Coal.
Cricket nets that can withdraw for games areas
We have three states of the art retractable cricket nets for both school and district teams to trial, and for specific coaching purposes. When the nets are withdrawn the area is suitable for a range of games such as European Handball. Again this facility was donated by Mr Leigh McPherson from Ellemby Resources and Donaldson Coal.
A basketball and netball court
This court is marked out for basketball, netball and volleyball and is not only used for school training and competitions but also daily by budding ball players. This facility is now fully covered to ensure it is an all-weather facility.
Fixed equipment
This is a fully fenced climbing area built using a Federal grant in 2008. It has a soft-fall surface and is covered for shade provision. While it is very popular with junior students, senior students can also be found enjoying the area and it has an entrance and an exit gate so it can be incorporated into obstacle courses.
Handball courts and outdoor game templates
These courts are one of our most popular playground areas during breaks and handball provides a gross-motor skills activity for students of all ages. The area is also utilised for special activities such as skipping. This is is also fully undercover.