Health Education

Common Unit

Unit Description

Health Education can be defined as a combination of learning experiences which affect the way students think, feel and act in relation to their wellbeing and that of others. The study of Health and wellbeing is concerned with the relationship between the individual and the physical, socio-cultural, emotional, mental and spiritual constructs in our world. Health Education promotes attitudes, values and behaviours consistent with responsible actions which assist in developing a critical thinking approach towards personal and community health issues.

Studying Health provides a forum in which the reality of a teenager's life and issues of importance to them can be highlighted and given value in their own right. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions, and to understand the effect their actions have on themselves and those around them.

Health Education offers experiential learning which provides opportunities for students to critically think and reflect upon a variety of personal and community health issues. It recognises that health is multi-dimensional and is influenced by both individual and group decisions.

Health Education respects the dignity, privacy and uniqueness of the individual. It promotes a safe and supportive environment conducive to open discussion and can deal with sensitive issues. Effective learning requires accurate and relevant information processes aimed at developing personal competence and the ongoing guidance of a trusted teacher. 

In Year 7, students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to support them to be resilient, to develop a strong sense of self and to build and maintain satisfying relationships. Students at this level develop health literacy competencies in order to enhance their own and others' health and wellbeing.

The Health Education program aims to:

• promote ways and means to help students live healthier, happier and more productive lives
• provide students with a greater understanding of themselves and their relationships with others so that a true sense of self may be enhanced
• enable more effective means of communication
• guide students in the process of decision-making, especially in relation to their own wellbeing
• encourage assertive and responsible behaviour patterns
• assist students in developing a greater appreciation of diversity
• provide a safe and secure environment in which students can discuss personal and community health issues

Areas of Study

Me, Myself and Others: Building Positive Relationships

This unit aims to explore issues related to individual differences, morals and values. Students have the opportunity to develop social interaction strategies and to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that will help them to establish and manage respectful relationships.

Empowering Ourselves and Others: Rights and Responsibilities

Students develop important strategies to deal with the changes and challenges that they may face as adolescents. It is likely that every student will face an incident of bullying at some point during their time at school, this unit aims to prepare students in how to deal with bullying situations. Students discuss why it is important that everyone feels safe at school, the difference between being a bystander and an up-stander, the concept of resilience and help seeking strategies.

The Changing Body: Positive Self Respect and Esteem

Students explore the concept of body image, and its interrelationship with self-esteem and self-efficacy. Furthermore, students will examine the influence of the media in shaping perceptions of body image, the notion of the natural body shape and the role peers play in establishing positive body image.

Drug Education: Informed Decision-making and Choices

Students explore issues related to drug taking with specific focus on alcohol and vaping. Included in this study is the investigation of why people take drugs, the negative impact and the consequences of drug taking, and aims to dispel the myths associated with alcohol consumption. Students are encouraged to practise assertive behaviour as a protective strategy and will explore the laws associated with drug use and the role the media plays in promoting the use of substances.

Assessment

Assessment Tasks:

• Health and Me
• Empowering Myself and Others Assignment
• The Changing Body Task
• Warning about the Risks of Alcohol Use Assessment Task
• Interactive Workbook: All students have access to a Carey Health OneNote workbook covering specific topics. Students are required to complete exercises in their Health OneNote workbook in class and as homework tasks