With a focus on empowering every young Grammarian, our HPE curriculum builds a strong foundation for all the physical skills they need, as well as the confidence to engage in movement, and ensure it and a focus on health and fitness, become lifelong pursuits. Morris Hall provides space where skills can flourish, healthy habits can be formed, and each child can be celebrated for their unique abilities.

Under the dedicated guidance of Angenita Oosthuizen-de Lange, Morris Hall’s HPE program is crafted to ensure that every child, no matter her starting point, can develop physical capabilities at her own pace. From the earliest moments in Prep, students engage in regular, tailored lessons that ‘meet them’ where they are and guide them towards mastering a wide range of HPE skills. Whether it’s learning to ride a bike in Bike Education or discovering new skills or strengths in Circus and Dance, each activity is carefully designed to be fun, engaging and supportive of each student’s individual progress.

What sets the Morris Hall program apart is its personalised approach. Every child is given the space to grow, explore and achieve in a way that feels right for her. Angenita’s open communication with parents and students helps to keep the curriculum dynamic and responsive, ensuring that no child ever feels left behind–or unchallenged. The program's intentional groupings and differentiated instruction create a safe environment, enabling students to work with peers who are at a similar skill level. This encourages collaboration and confidence in their physical abilities. This attention builds a strong sense of self-esteem as students achieve personal goals individually and together.

One of the most cherished aspects of the Morris Hall HPE experience is its unique variety of units. From traditional sports like netball, soccer and football, to others including table tennis and golf, to the mind-body challenges of orienteering, the program provides a world of discovery, helping each student find something she loves and feels proud of achieving in. These diverse offerings are not just about physical development or motor control–they foster patience, collaboration and critical thinking, all within a framework that promotes joyful participation and personal growth. Earlier this year, our Grammarians ended their Dance unit with a very special Flashmob Dance performance and Disco in the Multipurpose Room!  This demonstrates the application of learning and the fun that is had along the way.

In everything they do, Morris Hall students are reminded of their strength, both physically and emotionally. Their motto, “We are strong cookies, not crumbly cookies”, reflects the deep commitment to building resilience and perseverance. Through supportive feedback and a nurturing environment, students learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Setbacks become steppingstones, and every small victory is celebrated, helping each girl build the confidence to try, to fail and to keep going–training positive mindsets and muscles!

The integration of health and nutrition education further strengthens the program’s holistic approach. Beginning in Year 1 with the Healthy Choices unit, Grammarians are introduced to the fundamentals of nutrition and how their food choices impact their mind, body and overall health. As they progress through to Year 4, they gain a deeper understanding of bodily systems and how exercise, hydration and nutrition work together to support a healthy lifestyle. By embedding these lessons early on, the program equips students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their personal wellbeing.

This rich and vibrant foundation sets our Grammarians up for a seamless transition to Merton Hall’s Artemis programs and HPE curriculum, where they will continue to develop physical, mental and social skills. The sequential learning model, combined with the joy of discovering new physical activities, ensures that by the time they leave Morris Hall, each student is not only prepared for the Choice & Challenge unit in Year 5 but equipped for a lifetime of positive physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

HPE is about helping every girl discover her inner strength, her love for movement, and her ability to overcome challenges. It’s a crucial part of the curriculum, where every student can confidently explore her own abilities, knowing that she is guided every step of the way–growing, learning, and finding joy in the process. And often, she’ll catch herself learning without even realising it!

‍“I enjoy playing and having a go. It doesn’t matter where you come in a race, you can still cheer on your team and show good sportsmanship.” – Eugenie  

“I like HPE because it makes you fit and strong. I enjoy playing games and HPE is fun because you can be yourself.” – Cartia

“I love HPE because it usually needs a lot of teamwork and is a very good way to make new friends. It also keeps you healthy and fit.” – Audrey

“I enjoy playing with my friends and helping each other when skills are a bit tricky.” – Chloe