In HPE, students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to select, implement and maintain an appropriate physical activity routine that enhances their health and wellbeing. Students are provided with opportunities to practice using creative and collaborative processes to work within a group or team to communicate effectively, solve problems, resolve conflicts and make decisions in movement and social contexts. Students reflect on factors that influence their perception of themselves and their capacity to be resilient. Students explore behavioural expectations for different social situations and develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to recognise instances of disrespect, discrimination, harassment and abuse, and to act assertively to support their own rights and feelings and those of others. Students investigate a range of health issues relevant to young people to understand reasons for the choices people make about their health and wellbeing. They examine the range of personal, environmental and social factors that can influence an individual's choices, and explore and evaluate options, consequences, and healthier and safer alternatives. Students continue to refine their health literacy skills by developing their communication skills as well as their understanding of the sources of support available.
A major influence on 8 students is the world around them, and their peers become a key source of motivation and support when it comes to managing their health and wellbeing. In these years, Health and Physical Education plays an important role in maintaining physical activity participation, through opportunities for skill development in a variety of movement forms that enhance performance and competence, as well as providing enjoyment and a sense of achievement. Through their participation, students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to select, implement and maintain an appropriate physical activity routine that enhances their health and wellbeing. Providing opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of physical activities that are accessible in their local area will support and encourage participation, enjoyment and an appreciation of the importance of leading an active lifestyle. Students investigate a range of health issues relevant to young people to understand reasons for the choices people make about their health and wellbeing.
In Year 9, students develop a more refined understanding of how they can contribute to individual and community health and wellbeing. Students investigate techniques to assess the quality of movement performances and learn to be creative in the ways that they adapt and improvise their movements to respond to different movement situations, stimuli and challenges. Students explore how societal attitudes and values can reinforce stereotypes and role expectations, and investigate how these can impact young people's sense of self and shape the choices they make in relation to health behaviours, healthcare options and help-seeking strategies. Students investigate a range of health issues relevant to young people, including mental health, sexual health, healthy eating, personal safety, body image and behaviours associated with substance use.