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Sport science for schools

High school students experience practical aspects of the PDHPE curriculum during a Sydney Academy sports science program. Using equipment not available to most schools, our expert sports scientists deliver an experiential program offering hands-on learning.

Our qualified sports scientists have worked with members of the Manly Sea Eagles, Waratahs, NSWIS Winter Sports Program, Sydney Swans and other elite athletes to improve their performance.

How our sports science programs link to PHDPE curriculum areas

Stage 4

PDHPE Outcome 4.10

  • Health-related components of fitness
  • Skill-related components of fitness.
Stage 5

PASS Physical Fitness module

  • Physical fitness
  • Developing physical fitness
  • Measurement and evaluation.
Stage 6

PDHPE Preliminary Core Topic 3

  • What aspects of physical fitness influence movement efficiency?
  • How are biomechanical principles reflected in the way we move?

PDHPE HSC Core Topic 2

  • How does training affect performance?
  • How does the body respond to aerobic training?

PDHPE HSC Option Topic 4

  • How do athletes train for improved performance?

Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Fitness module

  • Nature of fitness
  • Fitness programming
  • Improving fitness.

Schools can choose to test their students physical skills while exploring aspects of the PDHPE curriculum through the following programs:

Laboratory and mobile sports testing program

This day only program includes;

Programs generally take 2-3 hours and cover syllabus learning outcomes from Stages 4, 5 and 6. We tailor our programs to the learning outcomes you nominate, see How our sports science programs link to PDHPE curriculum areas for some of the relevant curriculum outcomes we can cover.

Sports testing

You can select testing as part of a school camp at Sydney Academy, bring students to the laboratory for the day, or our staff can deliver a program at your school*.

A sports testing session provides feedback for each student on aspects of their physical fitness. Each student receives a score card to record their results and compare themselves to talented athletes of a similar age. The uses and limitations of each test are discussed.

Sydney Academy staff cover methods of improving each of the following fitness variables:

  • Height and weight
  • Aerobic fitness – beep test
  • Explosive strength – vertical jump
  • Acceleration and speed – 10m, 20m and 30m sprints with timing lights
  • Flexibility – stand and reach or sit and reach
  • Abdominal condition – 7-stage abdominal test
  • Agility – 5-0-5 test with timing lights.

Sports science demonstrations

Our sports science demonstrations can be delivered at the Academy or at your school*.

Our demonstrations are designed for students studying PDHPE or Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation. Students get an opportunity to experience a range of tests used to assess the athletic performance of elite athletes, such as:

  • Height and weight
  • Blood pressure
  • Explosive strength – counter-movement jump
  • Anaerobic tests – 10-second or 30-second bike tests measuring peak power
  • Lactate profile – endurance exercise test.

Demonstrations at the Academy's Human Performance Laboratory also include some additional tests:

  • Cybex isokinetic test – force production capabilities of muscles around the knee joint
  • VO2 max bike test – endurance exercise potential.

Sports scientists explain the physiological basis of each test, with a focus on the energy systems used for different types of exercise. They discuss how the results compare to those of elite athletes, and which training methods can improve performance.

* Additional charges for mobile testing or demonstrations apply. Please enquire for further information.

Residential sports science programs

An extended sports science program is available for Stage 5 and 6 students. All meals and accommodation are included in the 2-day program, which includes:

We tailor our programs to the learning outcomes you nominate, see How our sports science programs link to PDHPE curriculum areas for some of the relevant curriculum outcomes we can cover.

Sample program

Day 1
  • 10am–11.30am Laboratory demonstration
  • 12 noon–1pm Fitness development session
  • 2pm–3pm Free time / study
  • 3pm–4pm Theory session
Day 2
  • 9am–10.30am Sports testing
  • 11am–12 noon Theory session
  • 1pm–2pm Fitness development session

Laboratory Demonstrations

A demonstration in the Human Performance Laboratory gives students the chance to experience a range of tests used to assess the athletic performance of elite athletes, such as:

  • Height and weight
  • Blood pressure
  • Explosive strength – counter-movement jump
  • Anaerobic tests – 10 second or 30 second bike tests measuring peak power
  • Cybex isokinetic test – force production capabilities of muscles around the knee joint.
  • VO2 max bike test – endurance exercise potential

Sports Scientists explain the physiological basis of each test, with a focus on the energy systems used for different types of exercise. They discuss how the results compare to those of elite athletes and which training methods can improve performance.

Fitness development sessions

These are practical sessions with instruction in training techniques alongside actual training sessions. Students can choose from three options:

  • Speed and agility
  • Core strength and flexibility
  • Body weight circuit training (introduction to resistance training).

Theory sessions

These information sessions are in a practical interactive workshop format. Options include instruction in fitness testing and exercise prescription, nutrition and recovery, or time management.

Bookings and enquiries

For more information or to make a booking, contact us or phone (02) 9454 0160. Bookings are essential for all services.