The following courses are available for study in 2026

Physical Education:   11PED  Full Year

This course is designed for students who have a genuine interest in Physical Education especially the science of movement, active participation and interacting with others. High level of application and understanding is demonstrated in Year 9 and 10 Health and Physical Education.

This class will study the following topics: Applying movement strategies in the context of Ki O Rahi and Basketball. Learning of Anatomy, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Socio-cultural factors, and Te Ao Maori concepts through physical contexts such as resistance training and other individual and team physical activities. Exploring the concept of Kotahitanga (Unity) and developing effective interpersonal skills through a range of team games and physical challenges. Understanding the influence of a personal movement experience on their Hauora through the examination of different models of well-being (this is an optional standard and will be completed at the discretion of the teacher and the student).

NB: The classes usually have 2 x theory and 2 x practical lessons per week as the majority of assessments are theoretical.

 Students can only study 1 of 11PED/PEL/SPD

Recommended Entry Criteria: Good level of understanding of Biophysical Principles in Year 10 HPE.

Qualifications to be gained: 11PED: 20 Level 1 Achievement Standards credits. 5 credits are from an optional standard which will be completed at the discretion of the teacher and the student.

Next step: 12PAL, 12PED, 12SPL. 12SPA and 12OED are based on application only

Contact Person: Mr Smith

Physical Education: 11PEL Full Year

Course Description:

This course is designed for students who enjoy physical movement and are looking to improve their interpersonal and self management skills.

The class will study the following topics: Applying movement strategies in the context of Ki O Rahi and Basketball. Learning of Anatomy, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Socio-cultural factors, and Te Ao Maori concepts through physical activities such as Resistance training and other individual and team physical contexts. Exploring the concept of Kotahitanga (Unity) and developing effective interpersonal skills through a range of team games and physical challenges.

NB: The classes usually have 2 x theory and 2 x practical lessons per week as the majority of assessments are theoretical.

 Students can only study 1 of 11PED/PEL/SPD

Recommended Entry Criteria: Nil

Qualifications to be gained: 11PEL: 15 Level 1 Achievement Standards credits (5 of these credits are from an optional standard. Content for this standard will be taught during the year and it will be at the discretion of the teacher and the student as to whether they are entered into the external assessment or not).

Next step: 12 PAL, 12SPL. 12 SPA and 12OED are based on application only. 

Contact Person: Mr Silcock

Physical Education: 12PED Full Year

Course Description: This course is designed for students who have a genuine interest in both theoretical and practical aspects of Physical Education. The course will look at exercise programming, practical application of skills and skill acquisition within 3 different physical contexts, further investigating the science of movement as well as examining the impact of sporting events and issues on self, others and society.

Topics for this course include: Designing an exercise training programme and applying Methods and Principles of Training and Exercise Physiology; Studying the Sociology of Sport and the impact on Self, Others and Society. Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics; Principles of Skill Learning, and Sport Psychology. Practical sports participated in include Touch Rugby, Futsal and Volleyball.

NB: The classes usually have 2 x theory and 2 x practical lessons per week as the majority of assessments are theoretical.

Recommended Entry Criteria: 11PED pathway - Level 1 NCEA certificate, at least 15 Level 1 PED credits with Achievement Standard 92019.

11SPD pathway -  Level 1 NCEA certificate, at least 10 Level 1 PED credits with Achievement Standard 92019.

NB: Students studying 12PED cannot study 12PAL.

Qualifications to be gained: 17 Level 2 Achievement Standards credits 

UE Literacy: No

Next step: 13PED and 13PAL 13SPA and 13OED by application only.

Contact Person: Mr Smith

Physical Activity Leadership: 12 PAL Full Year

Course Description: This course is for students who wish to participate in a predominantly practical Physical Education course. Students must be motivated to participate and show sound organisational and interpersonal skills and self-management. A variety of practical activities will be used to teach students how to manage risks in a practical setting, develop social responsibility skills including community involvement as well as exploring how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through participating in physical activities, and developing skills for safe and effective weight training.

Recommended Entry Criteria: Not Applicable.

Qualifications to be gained: 11 Level 2 Achievement Standards 

UE Literacy: No

Next step: 12SPL, 13 PAL, 13SPA and 13OED by application only

Contact Person: Mr Silcock

Sport Leadership: 12SPL Full Year

Course Description: This course is designed for students who have a genuine interest in sport coaching and leadership. Topics include: leadership strategies, planning and reviewing, coaching pedagogy, participation in adventure-based learning and contributing to help achieve team goals. Students will be required to coach and lead students from Shirley Boys’ High School and/or contributing schools. This does involve a large time commitment to fulfil this requirement.

Recommended Entry Criteria: Level 1 Certificate.

Qualifications to be gained: 17 Level 3 Unit Standards.

UE Literacy: No

Next step: 13PAL, 13SPA and 13OED by application only.

Contact Person: Mr Dawson

Physical Education: 13PED Full Year

Course Description: The emphasis of this academic course is understanding and applying the underlying biophysical and sociocultural concepts associated with Physical Education. Students will apply their knowledge of the science of movement gained from prior Physical Education study. They will apply their biophysical and sociocultural learning throughout the participation in practical assessments in new physical contexts of Golf, Korfball and Swimming, and by analysing a physical skill and a performance improvement programme. Students will also learn to critically analyse a physical activity event, trend, or issue that impacts or potentially impacts New Zealand society. These units of work are designed to help integrate students into society in order for them to maintain an active lifestyle and give them the tools and experience for those that are looking at an academic pathway and/or a career in this subject area.

Recommended Entry Criteria: Level 2 NCEA and study at Level 2 PED obtaining a minimum of 12 credits. Students need to have achieved AS91328 (2.2) AS91329 (2.3) and AS91331 (2.5)

Qualifications to be gained: 19 Level 3 Achievement Standards credits. 4 of these credits are from an optional standard.

UE Approved: Yes

Contact Person: Mr Dunn

Physical Activity Leadership: 13 PAL Full Year

Course Description: The emphasis of this course is for students who wish to develop leadership skills in a predominantly practical Physical Education course. It will offer the opportunity to experience and participate in a range of new physical activities. The course will examine Contemporary Leadership principles and apply these in different physical contexts. This course includes how to train the body, safely and efficiently and therefore how to lead junior students in safe physical training. There will be optimum opportunity to develop and demonstrate interpersonal skills when planning and running a recreational activity for students with varying abilities. The main focus of this course is on developing leadership skills as well as preparing for future opportunities within this subject area.

Recommended Entry Criteria: Level 2 certificate. Targeted at students who have studied 12PAL, 12OED, or 12SPL.

NB: 13PED and 13PAL can be studied simultaneously.

Qualifications to be gained: 17 Level 3 Achievement and Unit Standards.

UE Approved: No

Contact Person: Mr Peawini