Physical Education

Physical Education at Northam Primary School

At Northam Primary School, we believe being active is an important part of growing and learning. Physical Education and sport help children build confidence, develop strong bodies, make friends and learn how to work as a team.

All students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 take part in Specialist Physical Education lessons each week, with at least 45 minutes of PE taught by a specialist teacher. Lessons focus on fundamental movement skills (FMS) such as running, jumping, throwing and catching, while also building fitness, coordination and confidence through a variety of fun games and sports.

In addition to specialist lessons, students engage in regular sport and physical activity opportunities across the week. Junior Sport (Years 1–3) and Senior Sport (Years 4–6) are held every Thursday afternoon, providing students with the opportunity to practise skills and participate in modified games in a fun and inclusive environment.

Our much-loved Running Club runs each term on the Big Oval from Tuesday to Thursday mornings (8:15–8:30am). Running Club helps students build fitness, set personal goals and support their positive wellbeing before the school day begins. Students earn faction points for every lap they complete, encouraging effort and participation rather than competition. Parents and carers are very welcome to join in and run or walk alongside their children.

Partnerships and Community Connections

Northam Primary School values strong partnerships that enhance student learning and engagement.

We work closely with GeckoSports, an award-winning, nationally recognised, endorsed program, to deliver engaging PE lessons. As well as the implementation of the KIDDO platform to support whole-school assessment and targeted learning of locomotor, FMS and games sense in upper years. Parents and carers can access their child’s progress through the Parent Hub.

The school also collaborates with the local community to support Certificate II Sporting Coaching students from secondary schools, providing authentic coaching experiences and inspiration for our students.

Carnivals and Sporting Events

Throughout the year, students enjoy a wide range of sporting events that focus on participation, teamwork and having fun:

Swimming

All students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 take part in-term swimming lessons. Our Annual

Swimming Carnival is held for Years 4–6, with races in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, optional butterfly and novelty events.

NSSA Winter Lightning Carnival

In Term 1, selected Year 5–6 students represent Northam Primary School at the Northam Sporting Schools Association (NSSA) Winter Lightning Carnival, playing mixed netball and soccer.

Cross Country

Held in Term 2, students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 run required distances for their age group. Champion and Runner-Up Champion students from Years 1–6 represent the school at the NSSA Cross Country Carnival.

West Coast Fever Netball Carnival

Selected students in Years 3–6 have the opportunity to participate in the West Coast Fever carnival in Northam, focusing on teamwork, skill development and sportsmanship.

Athletics Carnival

During Term 3, Athletics Carnival involves the whole school. Jumping and throwing events are held at school along with the ECE Carnival. Spirits and team games take place at Jubilee Oval on a separate day. Champion and Runner-Up Champion students in Years 1–6 progress to represent the school at the NSSA Athletics Carnival.

School Slammer Basketball Carnival

Selected students in Years 5–6 participate in the School Slammer Basketball Carnival held in Northam, developing teamwork, game understanding and basketball-specific skills.