This curriculum program promotes understanding of physical activity and movement, food and nutrition, health, safety, human development and human relations. The program includes at least one core unit at each year level (Years 7 – 9), which progressively adds to every student’s store of knowledge. Together with a variety of core extensions in Years 9 and 10 the collective effort of these subjects aims to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for each student to make lifestyle decisions that directly affect both their short and long term health.
In Year 7 knowledge and skills related to physical wellbeing are developed through a wide range of activities which improve student physical performance and encourage fitness. Health and Physical Education courses address effective communication skills, acceptance of responsibility and resolution of conflict necessary for improved self-esteem and effective human relationships. Students in Home Economics address the health of individuals and populations by identifying their needs for physical activity and the significance of nutrition for energy, growth, enjoyment and health. They explore issues related to eating planned diets, food selection models and the reliability of different sources of information concerning food and food intake. Students develop practical skills to support their learning.
Year 8 Health and Physical Education is a course that covers a range of topics designed to develop social skills and to enhance physical and emotional health. Specific areas covered include sexuality and drug education, both taught to enhance student’s decision-making skills. Body image and peer pressure are also issues covered in the course.
Year 9 Adventure Bound is a core subject incorporating Outdoor Education and Physical Education. In first semester students undertake the unit “Adventure Bound” in which they plan and prepare for their activities at camp at Dunkeld in June. Students practice and organise activities such as orienteering, bush hut construction and other survival skills. The second semester focuses on the community resources in Portland, available to improve the health of adolescents culminating in an open water swim.