Health & Physical Education

In physical education and health, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in movement and health-related contexts.

Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area:

  • Hauora is a māori philosophy of well-being that includes the dimensions taha wairua, taha hinengaro, taha tinana, and taha whānau, each one influencing and supporting the others. 
  • Attitudes and values positive, responsible attitudes on the part of students to their own well-being; respect, care, and concern for other people and the environment; and a sense of social justice. 
  • The socio-ecological perspective is a way of viewing and understanding the interrelationships that exist between the individual, others, and society.
  • Health promotion is a process that helps to develop and maintain supportive physical and emotional environments and that involves students in personal and collective action.