Physical Education & PMP
From Prep to Year 4, Physical Education (PE) at Overnewton builds strong foundations in movement, coordination and teamwork. With a focus on fundamental motor skills such as running, throwing, catching and striking, students also develop social confidence as they learn to cooperate, problem-solve and work in teams. Lessons take place across a variety of settings - indoors, outdoors and in the pool - and cover athletics, ball handling, fitness, gymnastics, dance, games and swimming.
Each class is led by an experienced Physical Education specialist and thoughtfully sequenced to match the developmental stage of each year level. All Junior School students take part in 100 minutes of PE lessons each week, with Prep students also receiving specific developmental support through the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP).
The Benefits of PMP in Prep
Our Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) supports early physical and cognitive development through structured activities specifically designed to develop a young child’s perception, coordination, and motor skills. These sessions incorporate experiences that promote spatial awareness, locomotion, visual motor integration, and hand-eye coordination, all of which contribute to enhancing focus and engagement for learning readiness and success.
Movement and the Brain
Many of the PMP experiences purposely engage students in 'crossing the midline' (moving arms and/or legs across the centre of the body), which assists in the strengthening of communication between the left and right sides of the brain. Exercises in crossing the midline supports growth in working memory, attention span, coordination and body awareness, all of which contribute to academic success.
Just as importantly, PMP also contributes to the teaching of safe play, taking turns, and working respectfully with others, and building the physical ability and personal confidence that provides the foundation for success both in and beyond the classroom.