11 Exercise Science (Half year course)

Exercise Science studies how the human body works during movement and exercise. As part of the teaching and learning in this 11EXS course, students will complete both theory and practical lessons to develop their knowledge and understanding of these topics and how they relate to performance.

Curriculum Assessment in this course will include both a movement analysis write-up and a final exam. These assessments are designed to evaluate students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, and to reflect critically on physical performance and learning processes. The physical contexts used throughout the course will include Pickleball and Fitness, providing a variety of opportunities for students to engage in both individual and team-based movement experiences.

The course begins with a focus on Functional Anatomy, where students develop a foundational understanding of how the body moves and functions during physical activity. They will explore the functions of the skeleton, major bones and muscles, and how joints and movements work together to allow for efficient and effective movement. This knowledge is essential for understanding injury prevention, movement analysis, and physical performance.

Skill Learning Theory component, students will investigate how motor skills are developed and improved over time. Key topics include skill classification, the stages of learning (cognitive, associative, and autonomous), methods of learning, types of practice, and types of feedback. Students will learn how to apply this knowledge to enhance both their own performance and the performance of others, making links between theory and real-world sporting scenarios.

The study of Biomechanical Principles helps students understand the science behind efficient and effective movement. They will explore and apply concepts such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, balance and stability, and force summation to analyse and improve physical performance. These principles will be directly applied to skills performed in Pickleball and fitness-based tasks, allowing students to see the relevance of biomechanical theory in action.

In the Exercise Physiology unit, students will examine the body’s response to exercise. They will explore both the acute (immediate) and chronic (long-term) effects of training on the body’s systems, with a focus on how exercise influences performance, recovery, and health. A key area of study includes the three energy systems and how they support various types of physical activity. This unit provides students with the knowledge needed to train effectively and make informed decisions about fitness and physical preparation.

Finally, the course explores Socio-Cultural Factors that affect participation, learning, and performance in physical activity. Students will analyse how social, political, economic, environmental, cultural, and historical (SPEECH) influences shape access to resources, participation in sport, and opportunities to develop skill. This includes discussions around inequality, cultural identity, media influence, and the role of sport in society. By recognising these factors, students gain a deeper understanding of the broader context in which physical activity takes place.

This is a half-year course that will prepare students for the Year 12 Sports Science or 12 Health and Physical Education..

NOTE: This course cannot be selected alone. You will need to choose either 2 or 4 half-year science courses. If you would like to take Sports Science for the full year please look at the options under Physical Education & Health - 11 Sports Science.