Health and Physical Education

Common Unit

Health Education

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 and supports development of a critical thinking approach towards personal and community health issues.

The study of Health provides a forum in which the reality of a teenager's life and the issues that are important 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, providing opportunities for students to think critically 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 actions.

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 8 students identify behaviours that positively influence and negatively impact on their health and wellbeing. They are challenged to take more responsibility for their own health and personal safety. There is a focus on developing an understanding of how individuals and groups affect people's behaviours, beliefs, decisions and actions in relation to a range of issues. Students examine a variety of personal, environmental and social factors that can influence an individual's choices and explore and evaluate options, consequences and healthier and safer alternatives.

The Health Education program aims to promote ways and means to help students live healthier, happier and more productive lives by:

• building student agency by equipping students with the skills to access, synthesise and evaluate health information
• developing health literacy skills to ensure students know how and when to take positive action that protect, enhance and advocate for their own and others’ health and wellbeing.​
• assisting students to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their relationships with others so that a true sense of self may be enhanced
• enabling more effective means of communication
• guiding students in the process of decision-making, especially in relation to their own wellbeing
• encouraging assertive and responsible behaviour patterns and developing a greater appreciation of diversity
• providing a safe and secure environment in which students can discuss personal and community health issues

Areas of Study

Australian Health Issues: Investigating the Impacts and Prevention

An exploration of issues related to the health of the Australian population. Students investigate the incidence, cause and possible preventative measures associated with some of the major diseases confronting all Australians, for example diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer.​

Nutrition: Promoting Healthy Eating Habits

In this unit, students will explore the principles of nutrition and develop an understanding of the important role food plays in supporting growth, development and overall wellbeing. Students will investigate the essential nutrients required by the body, examine their functions, and learn how to make informed and balanced food choices. They will also explore the relationship between nutrition, physical health, mental wellbeing and lifestyle habits. Through a range of practical and theoretical learning experiences, students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy dietary decisions that support long-term health and wellbeing.

Positive Choices: Informed Decision-making and risk taking

This unit aims to educate students on identifying and responding appropriately to high risk situations in order to reduce harm. Students are supported to design and implement risk reduction strategies associated with drug use and sexual practices including consent and consider the use of healthier, alternative behaviours. The unit also encompasses Sexual Education topics such as promoting respectful relationships, the law, contraception, consent and sexual identity. The unit builds students knowledge and skills to make positive choices that promote their health and wellbeing in real world contexts such as partying safely, and using social media platforms with an ethical approach.

 

Assessment

• Australian Health Issues investigation
• Nutrition Written Test
• Minimising the Risk Assignment
• Sexuality Education Assessment Task

Physical Education

Unit Description

All students in Year 8 participate in Physical Education classes which are conducted at the Carey Sports Complex at Bulleen, Carey Kew Sports Complex and various offsite locations.

Facilities at Carey Bulleen include:

• Geoffrey Stevens Swimming Pool Complex
• Gerard Cramer Physical Education Centre (a double indoor gym)
• Four ovals
• Two soccer/hockey fields

Carey Kew Sports Complex and the Kew campus offer the following facilities:

• Six tennis courts 
• Two bowling greens 
• Macafee Courts (undercover)
• Gym and weights room
• Sandell Oval

Movement is central to Physical Education for acquiring the skills, concepts and strategic awareness required for physical activity participation and enhanced performance. Physical Education concepts are informed by the related individual and team skill development, socio-cultural factors and behavioural aspects. Students develop movement competence and confidence in a range of physical activities in a variety of contexts and environments.

In Year 8 students learn to understand the contribution of different roles towards successful teamwork, leadership and enjoyable participation. Students also learn to apply concepts such as equity, fair play, respect, valuing of diversity.

The course acquaints students with varied activities during the year in an attempt to establish and foster an increase in skill and fitness levels, whilst enhancing self-confidence and motivation. Personal responsibility is developed throughout the units, as is co-operation and the belief that physical activity should be a lifelong commitment. The development of important social skills and sportsmanship are encouraged.

Students participate in the following thematic units:

• Invasion
• Striking and Fielding
• Net and Wall
• Cultural and Diversity Games
• Water survival and safety

 

Assessment

The assessment of each unit is based on the following criteria:

• Teamwork: Value working in a team and contribute by leading others and displaying initiative. Provide respectful and constructive feedback and express your thoughts in a variety of ways.

• Decision-making: Reflect on your own learning and experiment and explore ways to be effective in game play. Consider feedback and how it can be implemented for improved performance.

• Skill execution: Individual performance and understanding of the strategies required for achieving successful outcomes within specific themes including striking, throwing, kicking, catching, positioning, defending, use of space.

• Participation: Independently seeking new challenges and roles in a practical setting. Engage with all components of the units and the challenges it presented.