Learning at DSHS

Health & Physical Education

Developing movement competence, health literacy, and lifelong active habits — empowering students to thrive in mind and body across Years 7 to 12.

About the Subject

Active bodies, healthy minds

Health and Physical Education at Denmark SHS develops students' movement competence, health literacy and understanding of how to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Students engage with physical activity and sport while also developing critical thinking about health, wellbeing and the body.

The WA Curriculum HPE framework builds understanding across three strands: Movement and Physical Activity, Health Practices and Attitudes, and Personal and Social Skills — ensuring students leave school with practical skills for lifelong wellbeing.

Basketball coaching session at Denmark SHS — Respect, Resilience, Aspiration

Course Offerings

HPE Across the year groups

All students participate in HPE from Year 7 to Year 10, with a range of senior elective pathways in Years 11 and 12.

In Years 7–10, students follow the WA Curriculum HPE program. They develop movement skills across a range of sporting and physical activities, build knowledge of health concepts, and develop strategies to promote their own and others' wellbeing. Students explore team sports, individual activities, fitness development, and outdoor education. Assessment covers practical performance, knowledge tasks, and personal health projects.

What You Will Develop

Key Focus Areas

Movement Competence

Developing fundamental movement skills and applying them with confidence across a range of physical activities and sports.

Health Literacy

Understanding health information, services and resources to make informed decisions about personal and community health.

Active Lifestyle

Building habits, motivation and knowledge to maintain regular physical activity throughout life.

Sport & Games

Participating in individual, partner and team activities — developing tactical thinking, sportsmanship and competitive skills.

Personal Fitness

Understanding the components of fitness and designing personal training programs to improve health-related outcomes.

Wellbeing

Exploring mental health, resilience and social wellbeing — understanding the connection between physical activity and emotional health.

Senior School Pathways

Health and PE Courses in years
11 & 12

Develops students’ understanding of human movement, exercise physiology and sport psychology through practical and theoretical study. Students analyse performance in physical activity, apply training principles and biomechanics, and develop critical thinking skills through investigation and evaluation of sporting performance.

Explores health and wellbeing issues affecting individuals and communities through practical investigation and analysis. Students examine physical, social and mental health concepts, develop strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles, and build communication and critical thinking skills to evaluate contemporary health issues and services.

Investigates spatial patterns and processes in the physical and human world. Students conduct fieldwork, analyse geographical data and explore local and global environmental issues. ATAR and General options available.

Pathway Tip

Health and Physical Education opens many doors

Health and Physical Education subjects are highly regarded by universities for courses in Medicine teaching, health, nursing, social work and more. Talk to your Year Coordinator about which combination suits your goals.

Course Handbooks

Questions about HPE at DSHS?

Contact the school to find out more about our HPE programs, senior course options and sporting opportunities.

Contact the School Course Handbooks