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.