From Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 2, September 2001.

The Form 6 Sport Fitness and Health Class in Nuku‘alofa will soon be sitting their Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate, the first Pacific Island class to sit an exercise-related exam.

Starting this year, the class has students from all over Tonga. Some of them are aiming to become physical education teachers while others are looking for careers in the police and army. Two want to go overseas for further study in sports.

Noni Callander a Physical Education teacher from New Zealand, who has written the curriculum, said the course of study was initiated by Tony Geritson the principal of St Andrew’s High School. “He saw there was a vital need in this area where there is lots of talent and interest and it includes many students who do not have academic interests and abilities. It has been a very successful trial year, and a lot of fun.”

The school received a $40,000 grant from the New Zealand High Commissioner for a double sized classroom. The class of 12 students had now all passed their 60 per cent internal assessment activities and were working towards the 40 per cent examination, she said. Physical Education as a sixth form subject includes a personal fitness programme and fitness testing. The students use the Teufaiva Gymn using weights, skipping, and go jogging, cycling, swimming, and take part in games, and aerobics. They also have to learn new sports such as badminton, table tennis, tennis, cricket, and American basketball. A highlight of the programme was the outdoor education with a kayaking trip to Pangaimotu Island and a two-day cycle tour of Tongatapu. “The students are testing themselves to discover which sports they have extra good potential at,” said Noni.

It includes a first aid course, as well as learning about nutrition and the physiology of the human body, and how it responds to exercise. Students are expected to display sports leadership in the community, and are running a sports club for children at Teufaiva on Wednesdays at 4.30 p.m.