Outline

Overview

This unit of study has been designed to integrate practitioner research with a theoretical and conceptual examination of current policies, programs and research relating to quality teaching, professional teaching standards, leadership and management of PDHPE and School Sport.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	120 credit points from the BEd (HPE)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	James Barkell, james.barkell@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Leadership in PDHPE/HPE and/or school sport report and presentation Students will present an oral presentation on a contemporary issue in PDHPE	40%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 12:00 Closing date: 05 Sep 2025	2400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Literature review (leadership, professional learning/development and/or school sport) Students will examine leadership, professional learning in schools.	20%	Week 05 Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Sep 2025	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Planning Portfolio Students will construct a planning portfolio of a sporting event.	40%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Oct 2025	2400 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Literature review (leadership, professional learning/development and/or school sport) – 1200 words (20%)

Assessment 2: Planning Portfolio – 2400 words (40%)

Assessment 3: Leadership in PDHPE and/or School Sport Conference Poster and Presentation – 2400 words equivalent (40%)

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well conceived, coherent, logical, original and lucid as well as professionally prepared
Distinction	75 - 84	Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration of very good organisational and conceptual skills. The work is well conceived, coherent, logical and lucid as well as professionally prepared
Credit	65 - 74	Strong organizational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent and professionally prepared
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates task organization and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties will apply for all assessments in line with the policies from the Sydney School of Education and Social Work and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. An assessment task will have 5% deducted incrementally for each 24 hour period that passes after the submission deadline up until the 10th day. After this point the assessment will automatically receive a grade of zero.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 03	Unit of study and assessment overview Contemporary issues in leadership. Leadership Styles and Change management.	Workshop (4 hr)
	Leadership Styles Change management	Workshop (2 hr)
	Educational administration, educational management and educational leadership	Workshop (2 hr)
	School leadership, models, conceptualization in secondary schools Instructional leadership and professional learning	Workshop (2 hr)
	Philosophy and underlying themes of leadership	Workshop (2 hr)
	Propositions and Integration of leadership in PDHPE	Workshop (2 hr)
	Advanced aspects of the PDHPE syllabi	Workshop (2 hr)
	Educational middle management Behavior Management theory	Workshop (2 hr)
	Contemporary issues in the leadership and management of HPE/PDHPE and School Sport	Workshop (2 hr)
	Engaging with colleagues and professional learning organisations and programs and student learning	Workshop (2 hr)
	Assessment 3 presentations	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Readings:

Bradshaw, K. (2000). Classroom strategies for students with behaviour disorders. Katoomba, NSW: Social Science Press.
Brady, L., & Kennedy, K. (2003). Managing the process of change. Curriculum construction. Sydney: Pearson Education.
Bush, T. (2018). The rise and rise of leadership (Commentary, Part 1). In G. Lakomski, S. Eacott, & C. Evers (Eds.). Questioning leadership: New directions for educational organisations.
Canter, L. (2006). Lee Canter’s classroom management for academic success. Bloomington, USA: Solution Tree Press.
Cochran-Smith, M., & Lytle, S. (2009). Inquiry as stance: Practitioner research for the next generation. New York: Teachers College Press.
Cooper, K. S., Stanulis, R. N., Brondyk, S. K., Hamilton, E. R., Macaluso, M., & Meier, J. A. (2016). The teacher leadership process: Attempting change within embedded systems. Journal of
educational change, 17(1), 85-113.
Cope, B. (2005). How to make a classroom management plan. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education.
Darling-Hammond, L., & Bransford, J. (2005). Preparing teachers for a changing world: What teachers should learn and be able to do. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Edwards, C. H., & Watts, V. (2004). Classroom discipline and management: An Australasian perspective. Milton, QLD: J. Wiley & Sons.
Fullan, M. (2007). Insight into the change process: The new meaning of educational change. New York: Teachers College Press.
Kounin, J. S. (1970). Discipline and group management in classrooms. Huntington, USA:R.E. Krieger Publishing.
Marzano, R. J., Marzano, J. S., & Pickering, D. J. (2003). Classroom management that works: Research-based strategies for every teacher. MA, USA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Neill, E. (1999). What makes a good leader? In D. Meadmore, B. Burnett, & P. O’Brien (Eds.), Understanding education: Contexts and agendas for the new millennium (pp. 116-122). Sydney: Prentice Hall.
Posner, G. (2004). Analysing the curriculum. New York: McGraw Hill.
Rogers, B. (1989). Making a discipline plan: Developing classroom management skills. Melbourne: Thomas Nelson Publishing.
Rogers, B. (2006). Classroom behaviour: A practical guide to effective teaching, behaviour management and colleague support (2nd ed.). London: Paul Chapman Publishing.
Tinning, R., McCuaig, L. & Hunter, L. (Eds.). (2006). Teaching Health and Physical Education in Australian Schools. Sydney: Pearson Education.

Websites:
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Available at http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/hpe.html
Board of Studies, Teaching & Educational Standards NSW. Available at http://www.bostes.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/home
New South Wales Department of Education. Available at http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au
New South Wales Department of Education: Curriculum Support Directorate. Available at http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au
New South Wales Department of Education and Training. (2003a). Quality Teaching in NSW Public Schools: Discussion Paper. Sydney: Author. Available at http://www.det.nsw.edu.au/proflearn/areas/qt/resources.htm

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. complete practitioner research by interviewing a Head of PDHPE/Sport or Head of Teaching and Learning (in schools) or Professional Learning PDHPE organisation members
LO2. explore and evaluate the relevant curriculum, legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers of PDHPE and School Sport
LO3. articulate the contemporary role of the educational leader in the context of the social, cultural, political and historical movements in PDHPE and School Sport
LO4. explain how quality teaching, professional learning and School Sport (individual, team and representative) is organised in NSW and discuss the differences between school systems
LO5. analyse leadership, management and administrative skills integral to planning, organising and leading professional learning experiences, PDHPE and School Sport programs. This will involve being able to communicate relevant knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviours to others in written and oral forms.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs. 6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers. 6.3.1. (Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices. 6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching. 1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. 1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities. 1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability. 4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities. 4.4.1. (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements. 4.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching. 6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs. 7.1.1. (Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession. 7.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage. 7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning. 1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching. 1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. 1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities. 1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability. 4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities. 4.4.1. (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements. 4.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching. 7.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage. 7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers. 7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability. 4.4.1. (Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements. 4.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching. 7.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage. 7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers. 7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning. 1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching. 1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. 1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities. 1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability. 4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities. 4.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching. 7.1.1. (Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession. 7.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage. 7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers. 7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
1.2.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.4.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
1.5.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
4.1.1		(Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
4.4.1		(Graduate) Describe strategies that support students’ wellbeing and safety working within school and/or system, curriculum and legislative requirements.
4.5.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the relevant issues and the strategies available to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching.
6.1.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1		(Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.3.1		(Graduate) Seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices.
6.4.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
7.1.1		(Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.
7.2.1		(Graduate) Understand the relevant legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers according to school stage.
7.3.1		(Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4.1		(Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has been updated following Unit of Study Survey feedback from 2024.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDHP4004: Professional engagement and leadership

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links