“This accomplishment is a testament to the belief that there is never a 'perfect time' to pursue something meaningful.”Mrs Crystal Hede
We are thrilled to celebrate the publication of the first book in the third textbook series, co-authored by our Director of Learning and Innovation, Mrs Crystal Hede.
The fourth of five books overall, this milestone represents years of dedication, countless late nights and in her words, "the unwavering support of an extraordinary team".
The text, Physical Education for Queensland, Units 1 & 2 by Crystal Hede, Kate Russell and Ron Weatherby, has been published by Oxford University Press (OUP) and has been fully revised to align with the 2025 QCAA Version 1.0 syllabus.
Oxford University Press describes the new edition as “the best-in-market print Student Book with a game-changing new digital experience that takes lesson planning and classroom instruction to a whole new level.”
“With explicit support for internal and external assessments, including the alternative sequence, Queensland's most widely used PE series empowers every student to excel in their learning journey.”
Earlier editions of the text are not only highly regarded but shortlisted in the Teaching Resource (Secondary) category at the Educational Publishing Awards of Australia and were the eventual winners in the Student Resource (Senior): English/Humanities/Languages/Arts/Technologies/Health and Physical Education category in the same nation-wide awards.
Crystal Hede explained that it was the culmination of “years of determination and the collective effort of everyone involved.”
Mrs Hede’s own journey to enable the re-release is one she says has been filled with challenges. “I completed the second edition while caring for a six-month-old and I completed this series amidst transitioning to my new role here at Toowoomba Grammar School.”
Mrs Hede candidly shared her experience with imposter syndrome when first approached to take on this project in 2009. She questioned whether she was the right person for the job but was reassured by the confidence others had in her ability to make the content accessible to students. This validation became a driving force behind the project.
"Kate and I were asked to write the first edition back in 2009, OUP wanted to break into the Queensland market and they asked us to be the lead authors. We invited a third, highly experienced teacher, to come on board at that point and then in 2016, I received a phone call from OUP to say that they wanted us to do a second edition".
Mrs Hede said, "although my head said don't do it; that was a ridiculous amount of work, my heart said go for it and this time, smash it!"
She explained they turned the second edition into two books (a Year 11 book and Year 12 book); tore the previous version to shreds and started again.
“We were absolutely on a mission to not just write the book this time but to make it great - we pushed boundaries and were very critical of our work in the pursuit of greatness.”— Mrs Crystal Hede
“Our job was to try and convey information as simply as we could, speaking directly to students and staff,” she explained. “It was so lovely and validating when the feedback we received was about how accessible the book was.”
Drawing on self-determination theory, Mrs Hede emphasises that genuine motivation flourishes when we satisfy our needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness. This textbook journey has provided all three: engaging with complex ideas, the freedom to shape academic contributions and deep connections with collaborators who share the same vision.
Special acknowledgments go to co-author Kate Russell for her intellectual partnership, to family members, especially Michael Hede, for his patience, and to the publishing team at Oxford University Press for transforming the manuscript into a resource that will reach classrooms far and wide.
Mrs Hede also thanked TGS Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh and fellow TGS Executive members for their support throughout the process of writing and publication.
Reflecting on the journey, she noted, “The growth that occurs through taking on a challenge is the reward, not the endpoint. If you wait for the perfect time, it won't come. The opportunity came, I took it, and despite the ups and downs, it was never an option to step off the train,” she said.
“The joy of this journey lies not in reaching an endpoint but in engaging with work that challenges us intellectually and aligns with our core values.”— Mrs Crystal Hede
Mrs Hede said, “Ultimately, we hope this achievement inspires others to take on meaningful challenges in their own lives.”
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