Health

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 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 10 Health Education students critically analyse contextual factors that influence identities, relationships, decisions and behaviours. They analyse the impact attitudes and beliefs about diversity have on community connection and wellbeing.

Students will evaluate the outcomes of emotional responses to different situations and learn social and emotional skills to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence. They will consider how empathy and ethical decision-making contribute to respectful relationships and community.

Students access, synthesise and apply health information from credible sources to propose and justify responses to health situations. They will also evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of community support services then plan and evaluate interventions that promote connection to community in both the natural and built environment.

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

Focus areas addressed in 10 include:

• alcohol and other drugs (AD)
• nutrition
• mental health and wellbeing
• relationships and sexuality education
• emotional literacy
• stress management
• help seeking skills

Assessment

• Reflective journal
• Group project
• Peer interview
• Digital storytelling
• Case Study analysis