A new era for Physical Education
25 October 2019
Yesterday marked the last day on campus for several students in the final cohort of the Bachelor of Physical Education and the first cohort of the Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education.
The two groups came together for a unique celebration, recognising the hard work of the students and staff involved with both programmes.
It was an opportunity to reflect on the many successes of the Bachelor of Physical Education, which ran from 1996 until 2017, when the new Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education (BSportHPE) programme was established.
“The University of Auckland has a history of developing qualifications around health and physical education stretching back to the late 1960s,” says Associate Professor Alan Ovens. “We’ve always looked to take opportunities and create something new, and this led to the Bachelor of Physical Education in 1996.”
In 2017, the faculty launched the Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education to provide students with a broader range of options that reflect the growing opportunities available in sport, health and physical education.
BSportHPE programme leader Dr Rod Philpot says the Bachelor of Physical Education’s positive environment has given the new programme a strong foundation to build on.
“The culture that has developed since the 1990s has been something we’ve carried on to this programme,” says Dr Philpot. “This first cohort of students are the pioneers of the Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education – they’ve achieved a lot, built some amazing relationships with community partners, and now they’re licensed to take the degree wherever they want!”
Across both programmes, one key theme emerged: the whānau and community culture the students have created. Students spoke about the supportive staff, lecturers and friends they’ve made for life.
“We all came to this University four years ago, completely different people than who we are today,” says Bachelor of Physical Education student Adam Jenkin.
“We have become a family, supporting each other through assignments, practicums and camps – we were always in it together.”