From Moana to Mechanics: Year 11 PE/Hākinakina’s Dynamic Term 2

Term 2 has been a dynamic and hands-on journey for our Year 11 PE students, packed with opportunities to put their learning into action!

A major highlight was our camp at the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education Centre. This immersive experience allowed students to demonstrate Kotahitanga in action (learning from term 1), working collaboratively in their teams throughout the three day camp, and deepen their understanding of Te Taiao (the natural environment) and how it influences physical activity. From navigating the moana missions in canoes, giant SUPs, and kayaks, to the challenge of climbing Norfolk Pine trees, hitting targets in archery, and the ingenuity of raft building, every activity was a chance for practical application. The Team Challenge event fostered further teamwork, and the evening Fashion Show provided a memorable, fun conclusion! We even gained a firsthand experience of how quickly thunderstorms can hamper activity on the water, and change plans, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and risk assessment.

Following our camp adventures, we kicked off our learning of Anatomy and Biomechanics. Students have been actively exploring the intricacies of human movement through practical application. On the football field, they’ve been able to analyse the movements of the body to explain how powerful kicks actually happen, connecting theory directly to sport. Additionally, our sessions in skateboarding and kayaking have provided unique, real-world contexts to help students truly understand the core concepts of stability and balance, force summation, and the fundamental principles of Newton’s Laws of Motion.

It’s been a fantastic term, seeing students not only grow in their physical capabilities but also in their understanding of the science behind movement and the power of teamwork in diverse environments. Ka pai to all our Year 11 PE students for their enthusiasm and dedication!