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 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 Year 10 include:

• alcohol and other drugs (AD)
• nutrition
• mental health and wellbeing
• relationships and sexuality education
• influences such as gambling, gaming and scrolling
• emotional literacy
• stress management
• help seeking skills

Assessment

• Reflective journal
• Health promotion campaign
• Written Test
• Collaborative group task

Physical Education

Unit Description

All students in Year 10 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 all-purpose 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 10 the Physical Education course reflects the underlying goals of life-long health and fitness. It aims to acquaint students with a range of diverse activities to establish and foster an increase in skill level, confidence and motivation to promote participation in various forms of physical activity in post school years. Students explore movement concepts and strategies to evaluate and refine their own and others’ movement performances. The curriculum also provides opportunities for students to refine and consolidate personal and social skills in demonstrating leadership, teamwork and collaboration in a range of physical activities.

 

Students participate in the following units:

• Fitness
• International Games
• Recreation
• Elective Activities – Student choice, including Golf, Racquet sports, Fitness and Dance

 

Assessment

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

Task	Description
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.

High-Performance Physical Education Stream

In 2027, we plan to introduce a High-Performance Physical Education Stream, a selective-entry program designed to support high-potential student athletes in striving for excellence across their academic, athletic, and personal development. Through tailored learning opportunities, evidence-based training principles, and specialised mentoring, students will develop the skills, knowledge, and habits needed to perform at a high level while maintaining balance, wellbeing, and strong academic outcomes. The program aims to foster resilient, self-aware, and ambitious young people who are well equipped to succeed in sport, education, and life beyond school. Further details regarding the selection criteria and application process will be released in the coming months.