11 Sports Science

The Year 11 Sports Science course will set you up for success in your future study of sports science.

The course content will include:

Anatomy and Biomechanics: This unit is designed to help students develop and apply an understanding of how the human body moves and functions during physical activity. Students explore key biomechanical principles, including Newton’s Laws of Motion, balance and stability, and force summation. Through the context of boxing, they analyse how these concepts impact performance, improve movement efficiency, and enhance technique. Assessment for this unit includes both a verbal test, where students articulate their understanding, and a written assessment that demonstrates their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical movement scenarios.

3-day Surf  Camp: Students are offered an optional 3-day Surf Camp, where they will participate in a number of surf sessions. This experience provides an opportunity for students to learn and develop their surfing skills, whilst applying their knowledge of biomechanical principles in a surfing context. This experience provides an opportunity for students to step outside of their comfort zones, build resilience, and develop social responsibility through shared and individual challenges. While not formally assessed, the camp promotes personal growth, leadership, and strengthened peer relationships that support learning throughout the year.

Circus: In this unit, students focus on acquiring new physical skills and movement strategies to enhance their performance in a group setting. They engage in a variety of circus-based activities that challenge coordination, timing, flexibility, and balance. This unit emphasises teamwork, creativity, and persistence, as students work collaboratively to choreograph and perform a group routine. Assessment is based on the quality of their group performance as well as a written reflection that evaluates their learning journey, development of specific skills, and contribution to the team.

Physiology: This unit introduces students to the body’s physiological responses and adaptations to exercise. Students learn about key systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems, and investigate how these systems respond during physical activity and improve with training. The physical context for this unit is fitness-based training, where students engage in various workouts to observe these changes in real time. This unit builds a foundation for understanding personal health and physical performance, and it prepares students to make informed decisions about training and recovery.

Kotahitanga in Handball (AS 1.2): This unit focuses on strategy and teamwork within a fast-paced game environment. Students explore how to apply individual and group strategies effectively in game situations, including offensive and defensive tactics, communication, and spatial awareness. Through participation in handball, students reflect on how these strategies contribute to overall team performance. Assessment is based on their ability to demonstrate understanding of strategic application through both participation and analysis.

Responsible Behaviours: This unit emphasises the importance of personal and group responsibility in outdoor and potentially challenging environments. Students develop an understanding of risk management, leadership, and ethical behaviour through participation in outdoor activities, culminating in an excursion to Wero White Water Rafting. This authentic learning experience challenges students to demonstrate safe and responsible behaviour, support their peers, and reflect on how their actions impact others. Assessment is completed through a written task where students analyse and evaluate their behaviour and learning during the activity.