HPE Specialist Lifts Learning at Elm Park School

Across the country, more primary schools are exploring what it means to have dedicated specialist teachers in areas like Health and Physical Education (HPE). At Elm Park School in Auckland, that shift is already making a big impact.

For Tiffany Walden, the school’s Health and PE Specialist and Physical Education Leader, stepping into this role has transformed not just her own teaching, but how the whole school community views HPE.

“Having specialist classes is still a very new thing in our school,” Tiffany says. “But what I’ve noticed this year is that having a dedicated specialist has lifted the profile of Health and PE across the school. It’s now recognised as a learning area with its own skills, knowledge, and outcomes.”

That shift has been felt across classrooms, on the sports field, and at home. Teachers, students, and whānau are beginning to see HPE as purposeful, structured learning that develops physical literacy, teamwork, resilience, and wellbeing. “Students are starting to see it as a subject worth investing effort in, rather than just ‘play,’” says Tiffany. “Whānau see that the school values wellbeing and physical education just as much as other core subjects.”

Going deeper into the curriculum

Moving from a generalist classroom teacher to a specialist has given Tiffany the freedom to plan with more depth and purpose. “Instead of fitting PE around everything else, I can design progressive units that link to the curriculum, scaffold skills over time, and weave in hauora and wellbeing concepts,” she explains.

This means students experience more consistent, structured learning that builds from year to year. “I can focus on long-term development, whether it’s invasion games, fitness, or understanding wellbeing, and help students make connections between movement and everyday life.”

Teaching what you love

For Tiffany, the role has been both personally and professionally fulfilling. “It’s energising to teach in an area I’m passionate about,” she says. “It’s rewarding to see students thrive in an area I deeply value. And it keeps me motivated to keep learning, reflecting, and sharing my expertise with others.”

She’s noticed that when students get consistent time in HPE, the benefits reach well beyond physical skills. “They’re more confident, more engaged, and more willing to take risks. You can see the progress term by term, and that builds motivation and pride.”
Navigating challenges

Like many specialists in primary schools, Tiffany’s faced a few challenges along the way. “At the start, many ākonga thought PE was just about games or having a break from class,” she says. “Some came in confident, while others were anxious because they didn’t see themselves as ‘sporty.’

My job is to help them see that HPE is about learning, wellbeing, and teamwork, not just competition.” Balancing HPE’s unique goals with school-wide themes has also been important. “I want to make sure HPE keeps its integrity as a learning area, not just a support act for other subjects,” Tiffany says. “It’s about finding ways to connect with wider learning while still keeping our own clear outcomes.”

And, like many in sole-charge roles, there are times when the work can feel isolating. “The best part is sharing ideas and resources with other teachers,” she says. “But it can be tricky being the only one doing it. That’s why connecting with other specialists and networks is so valuable.”

Advice for others considering the move

For teachers or principals considering introducing a specialist HPE role, Tiffany’s advice is encouraging and practical. “Know your curriculum deeply. It’s much broader than sport. Be open to learning and professional development, build strong relationships, and celebrate small wins. And most of all, stay passionate. Your enthusiasm sets the tone for how others value HPE.”

As more schools consider appointing specialists, Elm Park’s experience shows the potential impact: a richer curriculum, more confident learners, and a school culture that celebrates wellbeing and movement as core to learning. “Seeing students grow in confidence, resilience, and pride is what makes it all worthwhile,” Tiffany says with a smile. “That’s the real win!”