Strategies for Implementing the New Health and Movement Science Syllabus

With the rollout of the new Health and Movement Science (HMS) syllabus in New South Wales schools, teachers are faced with navigating significant changes to content, skills and assessment. In this article, I’m sharing insights and strategies gathered from over 20 years in the classroom to support teachers in implementing the new course. Drawing from discussions with current Health & Movement Science members, I’ll provide practical advice on areas like scope and sequencing, assessment and the Collaborative Investigation.

Using Data to Inform Decision Making

Using various types of data to make informed choices around scope and sequence as well as assessment tasks is important. This includes examining HSC results, RAP, NAPLAN Data, Scout Data, student numbers and feedback. For example, if you have a class that is into training or sport you may steer your class towards a Depth Study in training. Data could also reveal assessment task weaknesses to target.
Let data, not assumptions, guide your curriculum planning.

Maintaining PDHPE Culture in Health & Movement Science

While Health & Movement Science brings changes, retaining elements of traditional PDHPE culture is important. This includes catering to both health-focused and sporty students and leveraging teacher strengths. For example, a teacher experienced with exercise physiology could lead with those concepts to engage students. Remember to keep assessment authentic by moving away from easily-plagiarised research tasks due to advances in artificial intelligence.

Implementing the Collaborative Investigation

A key new requirement is the 20-hour Collaborative Investigation in Year 11 Health & Movement Science. This is similar to a teacher-facilitated IRP in Community & Family Studies. Resources inside The Health & Movement Science Membership provide templates and scaffolds to implement research skills. Locally-relevant topics are suggested, like investigating effective health promotion in the local community.
Steer students to areas the teacher is familiar with for support. Our ongoing membership access provides ongoing Collaborative Investigation guidance, resources, templates and support.

Please know that you are NOT alone. Our Health & Movement Science Membership provides pragmatic advice for Health & Movement Science teachers feeling overwhelmed by changes. By using data to inform decision-making, retaining beneficial PDHPE elements and leveraging ongoing membership resources, teachers can confidently implement the new syllabus in a way that supports both students and preserves work-life balance. The Health & Movement Science Membership provides a collaborative community for Health & Movement Science teachers navigating this transition together.