Bachelor of Health & Physical Education (Secondary)

School of Education

The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) prepares you to become a high-performing secondary school teacher who inspires students to become enthusiastic and successful lifelong learners. This four-year degree combines Notre Dame’s strong and growing body of high-quality research with extensive hands-on learning, ensuring you graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills.

Through a rigorous, practice-focused curriculum, you will develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to teach across the health education and physical education disciplines. The program integrates theory and practice to prepare you to plan, facilitate and assess learning effectively, equipping you to support, engage and have a positive impact on secondary school students.

• Why study this degree?

  If your ambition is to learn to teach Health and Physical Education (HPE) in a secondary school environment from expert researchers and practitioners, you will be well-prepared with this four-year degree. It is a well-rounded undergraduate program informed by Notre Dame's strong and growing body of high-quality research connected with the practical application of skills through hands-on experience. Working from a rigorous and practical curriculum, you will acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding to teach across the health education and physical education disciplines.

  You can broaden your teaching expertise within each program tailored to your campus. Courses in the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) include:

  • subject area content
  • curriculum and how to teach it (pedagogy)
  • assessment
  • core content (including Religious Education)
  • adolescent brain development and learning
  • special and inclusive education
  • English as an additional language/ dialect
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culturally responsive pedagogies

  Our degree equips you with the academic skills you need to support, engage and positively impact secondary school students by integrating theory and practice. This program prepares you with both the content knowledge, skills and experience in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment that will enable you to gain employment as a teacher.

• Program summary

  The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) prepares you with both the subject area content knowledge that you will teach to students and the skills and experience in curriculum, pedagogy and assessment that will enable you to teach Health & Physical Education.

  Year 1

  • National
    • EDUC1037 Academic Skills and Digital Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
    • EDUC1039 Foundations of Education
    • EDUC1040 Development and Learning (includes 2-week PEX)
    • EDUC1043 Physical Education 1
    • EDUC1045 Physical Education 2
    • HLTH1044 Anatomy & Physiology for Health and Physical Education
  • Fremantle
    • Teaching Area 2: Content Course (1) (including Religious Education)
  • Sydney
    • EDUC1046 Wellbeing Fundamentals for Success

  Year 2

  • National
    • EDUC2XXX Professional Experience 2 – Secondary (HPE)
    • EDUC2071 Introduction to Teaching Principles
    • EDUC2077 Positive Learning Environments
    • EDUC2088 Teaching Methods 7-10: HPE
    • EDUC2089 Health Education 1
  • Fremantle
    • EDUC2087 Outdoor Education Fundamentals
    • Teaching Methods 7-10 (Second Teaching Area)
    • Teaching Area 2: Content Course (2)
  • Sydney
    • BESC1003 Psychosocial Determinants of Health
    • HLTH3096 Sport Science for Physical Education
    • RE Accreditation or Approved Elective

  Year 3

  • National
    • EDUC2XXX Professional Experience 3 – Secondary (HPE)
    • EDUC3046 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students: Culturally Responsive Connections
    • EDUC3095 Teaching Methods 11-12: HPE
    • EDUC3097 Enriching Inclusive Education in Health & Physical Education
    • EDUC3098 Excursion and Event Management in Education
  • Fremantle
    • HLTH3096 Sports Science for Health and Physical Education
    • Teaching Area 2: Content Course (3)
    • Teaching Method: 11-12 (Second Teaching Area)
  • Sydney
    • BESC2260 Contemporary Family Issues
    • RE Accreditation or Approved Elective
    • CORE Elective

  Year 4

  • National
    • EDUC4XXX Professional engagement and Internship – Secondary (HPE)
    • EDUC4044 Advanced Pedagogy and Professional Ethics
    • EDUC4058 Health Education 2
    • EDUC4059 Physical Education 3
  • Fremantle
    • Teaching Area 2: Content Course (4)
    • RE Accreditation or Approved Elective
    • CORE Elective
  • Sydney
    • EDUCXXXX Community and Family Studies
    • EDUC3049 Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy
    • HLTH2016 Principles of Strength and Conditioning

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Flexible delivery options

  In your first year, Sydney students can choose to enrol in two courses at the Oran Park Study Centre, and two at the Broadway Campus. Online lectures combined with in-person tutorials at Oran Park, featuring small group learning and pastoral support.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  * Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022, or 2021 can be considered).

  Specific Program Requirements for Admission

  Applicants who have not successfully completed their secondary education in an English- speaking country will be required to sit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test and achieve a minimum overall score of 7.5 in IELTS Academic, with no score lower than 8.0 in speaking and listening, and no score lower than 7.0 in reading and writing.

  Entry requirements NSW

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

  OR

  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Specific Program Requirements for Admission

  Applicants who have not successfully completed their secondary education in an English- speaking country will be required to sit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test and achieve a minimum overall score of 7.5 in IELTS Academic, with no score lower than 8.0 in speaking and listening, and no score lower than 7.0 in reading and writing.

  Students who have not met the legislative requirements for entry must undertake an approved pathway.

  Legislative Requirements

  • 3 HSC Band 5, one of which must be English*
  • Band 4 in Mathematics**

  *Please note ESL English will not count towards the required Band 5 English criterion.

  Approved Pathways

  • If students do not meet the 3 Band 5 and Band 4 requirements, they must successfully complete eight (8) courses prior to commencing any second-year pedagogy, curriculum or professional experience courses.
  • If students do not meet the HSC Band 4 in mathematics, they must undertake a mathematics/numeracy discipline course in the first year of the program, in addition to that required for Program Standard 4.2.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary), graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply deep professional content knowledge to relevant teaching pedagogy specific to the Health & Physical Education learning area and their second teaching area based on the requirements of state syllabus documents and the Australian Curriculum;
  2. Apply deep professional content knowledge to relevant teaching pedagogy specific to the Health & Physical Education learning area and their second teaching area based on the requirements of state syllabus documents and the Australian Curriculum;
  3. Establish a wide repertoire of professional practices in assessment, reporting and evaluation to effectively gauge and reflect student learning;
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate planning and risk management practises in educational activities associated with the Health & Physical Education learning area, including carnivals, outdoor activities, and camps;
  5. Consolidate professional attributes and skills and apply professional learning to meaningful practicum experiences furthering adolescents’ educational success and lifelong learning;
  6. Support evidence-based pedagogical practices for establishing learning environments best suited to adolescents' learning;
  7. Demonstrate the appropriate cultural sensitivities and knowledge necessary to teach secondary Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander students in ways that recognise, respect, and respond to their unique stories, cultures, practises and ways of knowing, being and seeing;
  8. Undertake professional engagement that is characterised by comprehensive planning, relevant and realistic feedback to students, relevant and appropriate communication with parents and carers, and connections with other stakeholders;
  9. Foster and engage in critical self- and peer-reflection to evaluate the contributions a particular teaching area or areas make to the education of students and take advantage of crossdisciplinary teaching opportunities;
  10. Integrate contemporary information and communication technologies to enhance learning;
  11. Articulate professional values and ethical standards that demonstrate a commitment to secure socially just and sustainable futures for all learners.

• Practical component

  Notre Dame’s extended professional experience program offers students the chance to engage in real classroom settings for up to 30 weeks. With placements available in both metropolitan and rural areas of Australia, students will develop practical skills while effectively integrating theory with practice. We encourage students to pursue professional experience placements throughout Australia and overseas to enhance their ability to combine theoretical knowledge with real-world teaching experiences.

  Before starting your placement, you will need to complete the necessary documentation and assessments. You must also obtain a current Working with Children Check (volunteer for Professional Experience 1 and paid employee for the Internship) and a National Police Clearance Check, ensuring that it is within six months of expiration.

  To successfully complete your placement and graduate, you must meet the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) standards, as required by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). Additionally, passing the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) is a prerequisite before beginning your Internship in your final year.

• Career opportunities

  Graduates of the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) are qualified to teach in Australian and international Catholic, independent, and government secondary schools. Students have the opportunity to work towards Catholic accreditation, which includes either Accreditation to Teach in Catholic Schools or Accreditation to Teach Religious Education in Catholic Schools.

  Broaden your teaching expertise

  Students may pursue broader career opportunities across sport, health, community, coaching, recreation and related professional settings.

  Fremantle
  Students broaden their career prospects by selecting a second teaching area, such as:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
  • Religious Education
  • Media
  • Drama
  • Science: Outdoor Education or Science: Health Studies

  Sydney
  Students complete courses that prepare them to teach across the full Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) learning area, including:

  • Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS)
  • Health and Movement Science,
  • Community and Family Studies
  • Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from staff who are industry leaders, and through 30 weeks of professional experience placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers. In addition to professional experience, there are further work-integrated learning opportunities embedded within the degree where you will work with schools across a range of courses.

• Honours

  An Honours award is available for this program. Enrolling in the optional Honours year allows you to undertake an in-depth research project and explore a topic of interest in greater detail.

  Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) (Honours) program requirements, or by contacting the School of Education.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education.

  Students can immerse themselves in other cultures with Study abroad, through our international exchange programs, study tours, and professional placements. These experiences provide valuable academic and personal growth while earning credit toward your degree.

  You can also engage with the world through Global experiences, volunteer opportunities and cross-cultural initiatives designed to develop your global citizenship and broaden your understanding of international communities.

  Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Professional accreditation

  The Bachelor of Health and Physical Education (Secondary) has been submitted to the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia for accreditation.

  The Bachelor of Health & Physical Education (Secondary) will be accredited by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) against the standards set by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007