Health & Human Development
Unit 1: Understanding health and wellbeing
In this unit, students explore health and wellbeing as a concept with varied and evolving perspectives and definitions. They come to understand that it occurs in many contexts and is subject to a wide range of interpretations, with different meanings for different people. Students investigate the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition and other interpretations and identify perspectives relating to health and wellbeing, and inquire into factors that influence health attitudes, beliefs and practices, including among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Students look at multiple dimensions of health and wellbeing, the complex interplay of influences on health outcomes and the indicators used to measure and evaluate health status. With a focus on youth, the unit equips students to consider their own health as individuals and as a cohort. They build health literacy by interpreting and using data in a research investigation into one youth health focus area, and by investigating the role of food.
On completion of this unit the student should be able to:
- Explain multiple dimensions of health and wellbeing,
- Explain indicators used to measure health status
- Analyse sociocultural factors that contribute to variations in the health status of youth.
- Interpret data to identify key areas for improving youth health and wellbeing, and
- Analyse one youth health area in detail.
- Apply nutrition information, food selection models and initiatives to evaluate nutrition information.
Unit 2: Managing health and development
In this unit, students investigate transitions in health and wellbeing, and human development, from lifespan and societal perspectives. They explore the changes and expectations that are integral to the progression from youth to adulthood. Students apply health literacy skills through an examination of adulthood as a time of increasing independence and responsibility, involving the establishment of long-term relationships, possible considerations of parenthood and management of health-related milestones and changes.
Students explore health literacy through an investigation of the Australian healthcare system from the perspective of youth and analyse health information. They investigate the challenges and opportunities presented by digital media and consider issues surrounding the use of health data and access to quality health care.
On completion of this unit the student should be able to:
- Explain developmental changes in the transition from youth to adulthood.
- Analyse factors that contribute to healthy development during the prenatal and early childhood stages of the human lifespan.
- Explain health and wellbeing as an intergenerational concept.
- Explain factors affecting access to Australia’s health system that contribute to health literacy and promote the health and wellbeing of youth.
Unit 3: Australia’s health in a globalised world
Students look at health and wellbeing, disease and illness as being multidimensional, dynamic and subject to different interpretations and contexts. They explore health and wellbeing as a global concept and take a broader approach to inquiry. Students consider the benefits of optimal health and wellbeing and its importance as an individual and a collective resource. They extend this to health as a universal right, analysing and evaluating variations in the health status of Australians.
Students focus on health promotion and improvements in population health over time and explore various public health approaches and the interdependence of different models. While the emphasis is on the Australian health system, the progression of change in public health approaches should be seen within a global context.
On completion of this unit the student should be able to:
- Explain the complex, dynamic and global nature of health and wellbeing, interpret and apply Australia’s health status data, and analyse variations in health status.
- Explain changes to public health approaches, analyse improvements in population health over time and evaluate health promotion strategies and initiatives.
Unit 4: Health and human development in a global context
In this unit, students examine health and human development in a global context. They use data to investigate health status and human development in different countries, exploring factors that contribute to health inequalities between and within countries, including the physical, social and economic conditions in which people live. They consider the health implications of increased globalisation and worldwide trends relating to climate change, digital technologies, world trade, tourism, conflict and the mass movement of people.
Students consider global action to improve health and human development, focusing on the United Nations’ (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the priorities of the World Health Organization (WHO). They also investigate the role of non-government organisations and Australia’s overseas aid program. Students evaluate the effectiveness of health initiatives and programs in a global context and reflect on their own capacity to act.
On completion of this unit the student should be able to:
- Analyse similarities and differences in health status and human development globally and analyse the factors that contribute to these differences.
- Analyse the relationships between the SDGs and their role in the promotion of health and human development and evaluate the effectiveness of global aid programs.