Health and Physical Education

What is the health and physical education learning area about?
The health and physical education learning area is about taking action to enhance well-being. It encompasses three different but related subjects – health studies , physical education, and home economics Students learn that well-being is a combination of the physical, mental and emotional, and social and spiritual aspects of people’s lives. They learn to think critically and to make meaning of the world around them by exploring health-related and movement contexts. They learn how to bring about sustainable health-enhancing change for individuals, communities, and society.

Health Studies (Health Education and Food and Nutrition)

Health studies is about holistic understanding of Hauora and other indigenous knowledge regarding wellbeing. Students will develop and apply practical skills to enhance whakawhanaungatanga through personal, interpersonal and societal perspectives. Students will explore the principles of social justice of fairness and inclusivity in order to promote a healthier society in Aotearoa, across a wide range of cultures

Physical Education 

In physical education, movement is essential to Hauora. Participating in movement through different concepts can enrich the lives of self and others. Through movement, we develop diverse capability on one's physical, social and emotional well-being. Students will explore and understand how the body works on ways to maintain and enrich physical experiences.


Outdoor Education

In outdoor education, students will learn and apply practical skills needed to participate in outdoor activities throughout the school year. They will develop skills and leadership capabilities within the environment through a range of experiences such as tramping, camping and outdoor adventure activities. They will be challenged both physically, mentally and emotional during the course. They will participate in activities within the local environment. 



Why study health and physical education?

Through learning and by accepting challenges in health-related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of well-being and how to promote it. As they develop resilience and a sense of personal and social responsibility, they are increasingly able to take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the well-being of those around them, of their communities, of their environments (including natural environments), and of the wider society. This learning area makes a significant contribution to the well-being of students beyond the classroom, particularly when it is supported by school policies and procedures and by the actions of all people in the school community.