Physical education teaching resources

Physical education (PE) is a vital part of the New Zealand curriculum, focusing on the development of students’ physical competence, knowledge about movement, and positive attitudes towards an active lifestyle. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including sports, games, fitness exercises, and movement skills, all designed to promote physical, social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Through PE, students learn about teamwork, fair play, leadership, and goal-setting, while also gaining an understanding of how physical activity contributes to overall health. In a New Zealand context, physical education also incorporates aspects of hauora (wellbeing), including taha tinana (physical wellbeing) and taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), and encourages respect for cultural diversity through inclusive practices. Teachers use PE resources to design engaging lessons that cater to different skill levels, support curriculum achievement objectives, and foster lifelong habits of physical activity. These resources may include lesson plans, activity cards, assessment tools, and guidance on safety and inclusivity. By integrating physical education into the school programme, educators help students build confidence, resilience, and a foundation for leading healthy, active lives.