Introduction

The Rangitoto College Health and Physical Education Department are committed to providing YOU with a positive learning experience in this learning area.

Physical Education

Why Should I Choose Physical Education?

Physical Education examines physical activity and sport. It looks at how we do it and why. There is a good balance between practice and theory.

It helps if you are involved in sports but not essential. You certainly need to have an interest in sport or physical activity.

The subject offers an in-depth analysis of “Why and How” we do things.

• How can I go faster?
• Why am I good at certain activities?
• How can I improve my fitness?
• Why is one side of my body stronger?
• How can I design a program to improve my ability?
• Why do I enjoy some activities but not others?

Why Should I Choose Sports Science?

This course deals primarily with the scientific aspects of sport. It is an advance academic course. There is very little practical in this course.

What Career Opportunities may Physical Education/Sports Science Lead To?

• Physiotherapist
• Teacher
• Coach
• Fitness Instructor
• Sports Official
• Therapist
• Sports Analyst
• Sports Management
• Health Sciences
• Professional Sportsman/Woman

Staff

Health Education

Health Education at Rangitoto College aims to encourage students to:

• develop skills, knowledge and self-confidence to make health enhancing decisions.
• develop skills to build respectful and safe relationships at home, in the school and wider community with an appreciation of social and cultural difference.
• learn appropriate methods to cope with peer pressure, stress and social challenges.

The Health Department aims to create a safe environment where students will learn new skills, and develop positive relationships. Students will experience a number of different learning environments and activities. Students will be encouraged to understand and acknowledge the attitudes and values of themselves, others and society. We aim to develop and nurture the mental health of our students, so that they can make positive life choices. We aim to empower students to explore their personal identity and enhance their self-esteem.

Four interrelated concepts are at the heart of this learning area:

• Hauora – a Maori philosophy of well-being that includes the dimensions taha wairua, taha hinengaro, taha tinana and taha whanau, each one influencing and supporting the others.
• Attitudes and Values – a positive, responsible attitude on the part of students towards their own well-being; respect, care and concern for other people and the environment, and developing a sense of social justice.
• Socio-ecological Perspective – a way of viewing and understanding interrelationships that exist between individuals, others and society.
• Health Promotion – a process for developing and maintaining supportive physical and emotional environments that involves students in personal and collective action.

Why Study Health?

As well as leading to a variety of careers outside of school, health education utilises interactive and co-operative communication both between students and between teacher and students. This enables students to explore their attitudes and values and justify opinions they might have. Students will be learning not only about themselves, but learning to have empathy for others who might not have the same attitudes or beliefs.

Careers in Health

Participation in Health Education can lead towards a varied range of career options. Health is a social science, and as such people who work in health provide medical services and health care for people and animals that may be injured, disabled or suffering from disease. They also educate people about how to prevent sickness and look after their own physical and emotional wellbeing. Health educated people find jobs in health facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, sporting organisations. Related jobs (a sample) might be: Acupuncturist, Ambulance officer, Chiropractor, Dietician, Diagnostic Radiologist, First Aid Instructor, Health and Safety Officer, Hospital Nurse/Orderly, Massage Therapist, Mental Health Nurse, Midwife, Natural Health Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Education or Health Teacher, Primary School Teacher, Police Officer, Rest Home Worker, Ski field Patroller, Social Worker. For more information see www.kiwicareers.govt.nz .

Health is a university approved subject. NCEA Health credits can be used to gain entry into a degree programme at a New Zealand University.

Staff

Graham Lowe (HOD)

Felicity Goodyer (TIC Health)

Achievement Indicators

• Year 12 health students trained as Smoking Cessation Practitioners. A first in New Zealand.
• Health students trialled and successfully introduced hand sanitiser into the student toilets.
• Health students designed an electronic Health Newsletter for Ranginet, to support student well-being.
• Health students successfully advocated for more drinking fountains around the school.
• Health students successfully implemented mats in the corridors to prevent accidents on wet days.

Student Testimonials (Year 9)

“The thing I enjoyed most in Health was to learn all different types of food and what they do to your body and how many servings are right for a child to eat as I do lots of sport. I also enjoyed to find out how long an average period is and when a woman can produce a baby”.

“I liked the class and the laid back teaching because I felt relaxed and happy to learn. I also learnt some helpful hints for the future!”

“How to eat a healthy and balanced diet, what to do when under stress or peer pressure...”

“..I learnt a lot about smoking and sex that I didn’t know before…”