William Ruthven Primary School offers a comprehensive physical education program to all year levels across the school. Physical education is a vital part of children's physical, social and emotional development. Students benefit from regular physical skill development and regular participation in a wide variety of sporting activities. Our program highlights the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. It also aims at developing interest in, and gaining pleasure from, sporting and outdoor pursuits through the development of skills, knowledge and confidence in a wide range of activities.
Physical education enables the development of fitness, skills and knowledge related to health and wellbeing. Weekly physical education sessions are conducted in a full-size gymnasium which is shared with William Ruthven Secondary College. The weekly sessions cover the following areas: fundamental, gross and fine motor skills, and modified sports and major games.
Students develop an understanding of rules, teamwork, being a good sport, fair play and game strategies. These skills and attributes enable them to participate in movement and physical activity safely and confidently. Our program encourages students to enjoy being active as they integrate motor skills and tactical knowledge to improve individual and team performance. Emphasis is placed on participation and improvement.
Swimming and Water safety program
The development of knowledge and skills relating to survival swimming and basic water safety can significantly reduce a child’s drowning risk and enhance community safety. Students in Prep, Years 2, 4 and 6 are provided with the opportunity to participate in an intensive swimming program conducted by trained swimming instructors. The swimming lessons are offered at no cost to our families.
Students in Years 1, 3 and 5 engage in a water safety program delivered by classroom teachers.Athletics and Cross country
Students in Years 4 - 6 have the opportunity to represent the school at district athletics carnivals and at district cross country competitions.
When participating at district athletic carnivals, students have the opportunity to compete in a range of track and field events including: 100m, 200m, 800m races, relays, long jump, shot put and discuss. The distance to be run for cross country is determined by a student's age. Students who are 9 or 10 years old run a 2000m track, and students who are 11 or 12 years old run a 3000m track.
Interschool sport
William Ruthven Primary School is a member of the Keon Park District School Sports Association which runs summer and winter sports competitions for students in Years 5 and 6 each Friday.
Students have an opportunity to participate in cricket, bat tennis and rounders (summer sports); as well as soccer, football and netball (winter sports).
The cost associated with participation in athletics, cross country and interschool sport can be off-set for eligible students through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF).
