Study Notes on Sport Education in the Australian Curriculum

Overview of the Australian Curriculum in Health and Physical Education (PE)

  • Structure: The curriculum includes various strands that support different educational models, particularly the Sport Education Model.

    • Key Strands Linked to Sport Education:

    • Communicating and interacting for health and well-being

    • Contributing to healthy and active communities

    • Learning through movement

Sport Education Model

  • Definition: Sport education is a comprehensive, extended unit centered on one sport, typically spanning 10 to 12 weeks, which emphasizes a student-centered approach.

Key Features of the Sport Education Model

  1. Seasons:

    • Sport education operates over set seasons, allowing for structured learning and competition.

  2. Affiliation:

    • Students feel a sense of belonging to their teams.

  3. Formal Competition:

    • Regular competitions are integral to the model, involving structured matches between teams.

  4. Culminating Events:

    • The season concludes with a significant celebratory event recognizing achievements and participation.

  5. Record Keeping:

    • Points are tracked throughout the season, including recognition of teamwork and sportsmanship.

  6. Festivity:

    • The model incorporates a festive atmosphere culminating in celebrations, highlighting sports-specific skills and effort.

Implementation of the Sport Education Model

  • Learning Experience:

    • Initially modifies sports into small-sided games to maximize student participation and competence.

    • Over the season, the complexity and team sizes increase, which allows for deeper learning and application of techniques and strategies.

Competitive Framework

  • Team Configuration:

    • The competition usually features two active teams with the possibility of a third team acting as a "Duty Team".

    • Results from competitions are recorded and made publicly available, with points awarded for team performances and individual behaviors like sportsmanship.

Festive Focus

  • End-of-Season Celebration:

    • Events occur at the season's end to celebrate the achievements of teams, reinforcing the values of participation and effort.

Planning and Resources for Educators

  • Preparation Effort:

    • While initial setup demands significant time, prepared materials can be reused in future implementations.

  • Recommended Reading:

    • "Play with Purpose: Game Sense to Sport Literacy" by Shane Pill (2013) - Covers child-centered teaching approaches, modified sports, and includes example unit plans.

  • Canvas Module Resources:

    • Access to videos and detailed unit plans for both primary and secondary education.

Example Lesson Plans in Sport Education

  • AFL Unit Plan:

    • Overview of the first six weeks includes:

      • Team establishment

      • Skill rule allocation

      • Administration of a roster for duty teams

      • Skills assessment, including fundamental skills like kicking, handling, marking, and gameplay.

  • Continuing Development:

    • The unit progresses to varying skills and culminating events, including celebrations of success and awarding of cups.

Linkage to Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

  • Autonomy and Choice:

    • Sport education aligns with SDT by providing students autonomy in sport selection and roles.

  • Development of Competence:

    • Facilitates skill development through small-sided games tailored to ensure equal opportunities across teams.

  • Relatedness:

    • Students build interpersonal connections and feel belonging, crucial for their motivation and commitment.

  • Diverse Role Opportunities:

    • Students can engage in various roles, fostering a broader sense of competence beyond just playing.

Achievement Standards in the Australian Curriculum

  • Target Audience: The sport education model is appropriate for students in years 5 to 6, as younger students may lack necessary cognitive and social skills.

Achievement Standards for Years 5 and 6

  1. Year 5 Achievement Standards:

    • Describes team contributions to support fair play and inclusion across varying movement contexts.

  2. Year 9/10 Achievement Standards:

    • Focuses on evaluating leadership, collaboration strategies, and ethical behavior across a range of movement contexts.

Objectives of Sport Education

  1. To develop skills and fitness specific to particular sports.

  2. To appreciate and execute strategic plays in sports.

  3. To participate at an appropriate level for student development.

  4. To share in the planning and administration of sports experiences.

  5. To provide responsible leadership.

  6. To work effectively within a group towards common goals.

  7. To appreciate the rituals and conventions of specific sports.

  8. To make informed decisions concerning sports issues.

  9. To develop knowledge related to umpiring, refereeing, and training techniques.

  10. To voluntarily engage in after-school sports.

Summary

  • The objectives of sport education align with a holistic view of lifelong physical education and acknowledge the prospect of participation in sports beyond the school setting, aiming to foster an ongoing appreciation for physical activity.