Junior School sport

In the Junior School, our PDHPE specialist teachers focus on the development of the whole child with experiential learning experiences. Our girls delight in scootering and skating around the pathways and playing on the two sets of play equipment during break times as they build strength, fitness, spatial awareness and develop interpersonal skills.

Our PDHPE program is aligned with the new mandated curriculum focusing on the three skill domains of Self-management skills, Interpersonal skills and Movement skills. These domains cross over each of the three content strands of ‘Health, Wellbeing and Relationships’, ‘Movement Skill and Performance’ and ‘Healthy, Safe and Active Lifestyles’. A broad range of learning experiences ensures that girls are well prepared for entry into the optional IPSHA Saturday Sport program and fosters a lifelong love of exercise and sport. These include additional programs targeting bike education, surf education and Tennis Hot Shots. Opportunities also exist in snow sports, equestrian and mountain biking.

The IPSHA Saturday sport program, for girls from Year 3 onwards, includes opportunities to join teams in water polo/flippa ball, soccer, minkey/hockey, netball, AFL, touch football, cricket, basketball and tennis. Elite athletes are also given opportunities to trial for representative teams in AFL, softball, tennis, hockey, cricket, netball, basketball, golf and touch football through the IPSHA, CIS and PSSA pathways. Participation levels in sport at the Junior School is very high, with all girls wishing to join a Saturday sport being included in teams.

IPSHA Saturday sport program

IPSHA sport

Abbotsleigh is part of the Independent Primary School Heads’ Australia (IPSHA), which organises carnivals, major sports and Saturday competitions for students in Years 3-6. This inclusive program is designed to promote skill development, team spirit and engagement.

IPSHA Saturday sport runs for all four terms, with a mix of activities available. Training sessions are held once a week after school. While involvement in sport is optional, we encourage girls to participate regardless of experience or skill.

IPSHA carnivals are held throughout the year for athletics, cross country, gymnastics and swimming and diving. Girls may then be selected to compete at NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS), NSW Primary School Sport Association (NSWPSSA) and School Sport Australia (SSA) levels.

Saturday sport for Year 2

Our ‘friendly’ Saturday sport program is offered to Year 2 girls in Semester 2 (Terms 3 and 4). These sessions are designed to help prepare the girls for the IPSHA Saturday sport competition as well as develop overall skills and to foster a love of sport in a fun and supportive setting. We offer netball and AFL in Term 3 and soccer and minkey in Term 4.