Health and Physical Education (HPE)
Through learning and by accepting challenges in health-related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of well-being and how to promote it. As they develop resilience and a sense of personal and social responsibility, they are increasingly able to take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the well-being of those around them, of their communities, of their environments (including natural environments), and of the wider society.
Physical Education
Physical Education is "education through the physical". It aims to develop students’ physical competence and knowledge of movement and safety, and their ability to use these to perform in a wide range of activities associated with the development of an active and healthy lifestyle. It also develops students’ confidence and generic skills, especially those of collaboration, communication, creativity, critical-thinking and aesthetic appreciation. These, together with the nurturing of positive values and attitudes in PE, provide a good foundation for students’ lifelong and life-wide learning.
Physical Education is "education through the physical". It aims to develop students’ physical competence and knowledge of movement and safety, and their ability to use these to perform in a wide range of activities associated with the development of an active and healthy lifestyle. It also develops students’ confidence and generic skills, especially those of collaboration, communication, creativity, critical-thinking and aesthetic appreciation. These, together with the nurturing of positive values and attitudes in PE, provide a good foundation for students’ lifelong and life-wide learning.
Health Education
In health education, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related contexts. Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area:
In health education, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related contexts. Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area:
- Hauora – a Māori philosophy of well-being that includes the dimensions taha wairua, taha hinengaro, taha tinana, and taha whānau, each one influencing and supporting the others.
- Attitudes and values – a positive, responsible attitude on the part of students to their own well-being; respect, care, and concern for other people and the environment; and a sense of social justice.
- The socio-ecological perspective – a way of viewing and understanding the interrelationships that exist between the individual, others, and society.
- Health promotion – a process that helps to develop and maintain supportive physical and emotional environments and that involves students in personal and collective action.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation can be simply described as experiential learning in the outdoors. The term "outdoor recreation", however, is widely used to refer to a range of organised activities, which take place in a variety of ways, in predominantly outdoor environments.
Some typical aims of outdoor recreation are to:
Outdoor Recreation can be simply described as experiential learning in the outdoors. The term "outdoor recreation", however, is widely used to refer to a range of organised activities, which take place in a variety of ways, in predominantly outdoor environments.
Some typical aims of outdoor recreation are to:
- Develop a deeper relationship with nature.
- Enhance personal and social development.
- Learn how to overcome adversity and increase resilience.
Junior Physical Education and Health Education
Our Year 9 and 10 Health and Physical Education programmes are centred on developing an understanding and appreciation for healthy lifestyles. The programmes we deliver aim to develop students who value regular physical activity, making good decisions and being the best they can be in all facets of life. Enjoying physical activity and having fun are important aspects of the Junior Health and PE programme at WHS.
Students participate in seven hours of Health and Physical Education a fortnight, five hours of PE and two hours of Health. Outdoor Education is a significant part of the junior programme at Wakatipu High School.
Year 9 students participate in the 3-day Greenstone Camp and Year 10 students participate and experience the famous Branches Camp where they live and reside for 7 days on Branches Station up the Shotover River.
Our Year 9 and 10 Health and Physical Education programmes are centred on developing an understanding and appreciation for healthy lifestyles. The programmes we deliver aim to develop students who value regular physical activity, making good decisions and being the best they can be in all facets of life. Enjoying physical activity and having fun are important aspects of the Junior Health and PE programme at WHS.
Students participate in seven hours of Health and Physical Education a fortnight, five hours of PE and two hours of Health. Outdoor Education is a significant part of the junior programme at Wakatipu High School.
Year 9 students participate in the 3-day Greenstone Camp and Year 10 students participate and experience the famous Branches Camp where they live and reside for 7 days on Branches Station up the Shotover River.
Senior Health Education
In Senior Health Education, students develop their understanding of the factors that influence the health of individuals, groups, and society: lifestyle, economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental factors.
Students develop competencies for mental wellness, reproductive health and positive sexuality, and safety management, and they develop understandings of nutritional needs.
Students build resilience through:
In Senior Health Education, students develop their understanding of the factors that influence the health of individuals, groups, and society: lifestyle, economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental factors.
Students develop competencies for mental wellness, reproductive health and positive sexuality, and safety management, and they develop understandings of nutritional needs.
Students build resilience through:
- strengthening their personal identity and sense of self-worth
- managing change and loss
- engaging in processes for responsible decision making.
Senior Outdoor Recreation
Senior Outdoor Recreation (OREC) courses are unique and valued courses that mirror the special character of our school and utilise the surrounding local area. They are designed to introduce and develop basic outdoor skills and knowledge in the areas of kayaking, conservation, bushcraft, tramping and mountain craft/snowcraft.
It is hoped that participation in the course will develop a respect and love for the uniqueness of our natural environment. Outdoor Recreation are primarily practical courses that assess your ability and understanding in a variety of disciplines.
Senior Outdoor Recreation (OREC) courses are unique and valued courses that mirror the special character of our school and utilise the surrounding local area. They are designed to introduce and develop basic outdoor skills and knowledge in the areas of kayaking, conservation, bushcraft, tramping and mountain craft/snowcraft.
It is hoped that participation in the course will develop a respect and love for the uniqueness of our natural environment. Outdoor Recreation are primarily practical courses that assess your ability and understanding in a variety of disciplines.
Pathways at WHS
Year 9 Level 4/5 |
Year 10 Level 5/6 |
Year 11 NCEA Level 1 |
Year 12 NCEA Level 2 |
Year 13 NCEA Level 3 |
Health & Physical Education (Compulsory) Sport and Exercise Studies |
Health & Physical Education (Compulsory) Sport and Exercise Studies |
Physical Education Health Studies |
Physical Education Health Education Outdoor Recreation |
Physical Education Health Education Outdoor Recreation |
For 2026 course information, including areas of study, prerequisites, assessments and standards, please follow the link to our Course Options Portal:
