Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
Sporting Houses
There are four sports houses at Avoca Beach Primary School, Bradman (Yellow), Jackson (Green), Newcombe (Blue) and Freeman (Red). Freeman was only established in 1997 after a large growth in the school population necessitated the creation of another house team.
In 2000, Year 6 donated signed action photographs of each of the sports stars who had houses named after them. The photos of Marjorie Jackson, Sir Donald Bradman, John Newcombe and Cathy Freeman now hang proudly on the wall of the FSU.
Each child is allocated to a House Group for purposes of school sporting activities etc. Pupils, and their families remain in the same house from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Bradman
Bradman House (Yellow) is named after Sir Donald Bradman.
Bradman was a famous cricketer and is still considered the best batsman Australia has ever produced.
Jackson
Jackson House (Green) is named after Marjorie Jackson.
Jackson was another famous Australian athlete who rose to fame in the 1950s
Newcombe
Newcombe house (Blue) is named after John Newcombe.
Newcombe was a famous Australian tennis player and Wimbledon legend of the 1960s.
Freeman
Freeman House (Red) is named after Cathy Freeman.
Freeman was an aboriginal athlete who is most famous for winning gold in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.