Help Shape an Alternative Draft HPE Curriculum

As we head into the end of the year, many of you will be in full wind-down mode. Whether you’re heading to the beach, spending time with whānau, or simply catching your breath after a huge 2025, we hope you get the break you deserve.

If, while you’re relaxing, you find yourself thinking about what a great Physical Education curriculum should look like, we’d love to take those ideas off your hands. PENZ is putting together an Alternative Draft Curriculum for Physical Education, and we’re inviting contributions from across the sector.

You can submit one line or many, one section or the whole thing. Anything that helps move us forward is welcome. Here's a Word version of the PE curriculum for you to go to town on.

<h2>How to send a submission</h2>

Please send all submissions to <a href="mailto:[email protected] ">[email protected]</a> no later than <b>Monday 19 January 2026</b>. You can also <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lbuWEZZrpZJuD-VfMNEICDUzWhmVpgKxRLXmaXJYOrY/edit?tab=t.0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">download this Google document</a> of the draft to edit and share back if that's easier for you.

Below are some simple guidelines to keep everything tidy, constructive, and easy to weave together.

<h2>Guidelines for Contributions</h2>

<b>1. Keep it relevant</b>

Focus on curriculum content, contexts, outcomes, and teaching practice in Physical Education. Please avoid broader policy debates or unrelated subject areas.

<b>2. Keep it practical</b>

We’re looking for ideas that could realistically be taught in Aotearoa schools.

If you’re proposing something ambitious, please include how it could work in practice.

<b>3. Keep it clear</b>

Short, specific, and aligned with the knowledge-rich framework are ideal. General statements or vague preferences are fine as long as there’s a clear recommendation attached. 

<b>4. Keep it positive</b>

This is a solutions-focused project. Constructive critique is great. Personal criticism is unhelpful. If you do have some additional critiques you want to share, let us know.

<b>5. Keep it aligned</b>

The sequencing of knowledge statements is an important part of the framing. We want to work within the current framework to allow for the greatest chance of making an impact. Think about presenting feedback in a similar tone and format to the draft.

<b>6. Keep it manageable</b>

You can contribute to one part or several.

This is very much an <i> if you have the time and energy kaupapa. </i>

If inspiration hits while you’re sitting by the water, between BBQs, or during a quiet moment at home, flick your thoughts through. We'd love to read them!

Every contribution helps build a stronger, more coherent, and genuinely future-focused alternative for our tamariki and rangatahi.

We can’t wait to see what our community creates!