VCE Health and Physical Education

Health and Human Development

Successful completion of Year 10 Health Education is required for enrolment in Health and Human Development Units 1 & 2. Successful completion of Units 1 & 2 is required for enrolment in Units 3 & 4.

Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Course Description:       

Unit 1: The Health and Development of Australia’s Youth

This unit focuses on the dimensions of, and the interrelationships within and between, health and individual human development. Students examine the factors that impact on the health and individual human development of Australia’s youth. Students also learn about a range of health issues relevant to Australia’s youth and, in relation to a specific health issue, analyse strategies or programs that have an impact on youth health and development.

Unit 2:  Individual Human Development and Health Issues

This unit focuses on the factors that affect the health and individual human development of Australia’s children.  Students examine the factors that affect the health and individual human development of Australia’s adults.  Students also analyse a selected health issue facing Australia’s health system and evaluate community and/or government actions that may address the issue.

Unit 3:  Australia’s Health

In this unit students examine the health status of Australia’s population with other developed countries, the variations in health status of population groups in Australia and the role of the National Health Priority Areas in improving Australia’s health status.  They also explore approaches to health and health promotion, Australia’s health system and the different roles of government and non-government organisations in promoting health.

Unit 4:  Global Health and Human Development

In this unit students examine factors contributing to variations in health status between Australia and developing countries, progress towards the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals and the interrelationships between health, human development and sustainability.  They also explore programs implemented by international and Australian government and non-government organisations in promoting health, human development and sustainability.

Assessment:                     

A variety of activities are used including case study analyses, data analyses, visual presentations, multimedia presentations, oral presentations, blogs, tests and written responses.

Physical Education

Year 10 Physical Education and/or Sport Education are recommended for Unit 1 and successful completion of Units 1 & 2 Physical Education is expected for Unit 3.

Units 1, 2, 3 & 4

Course Description:      

Unit 1:  Bodies in motion

In this unit students explore how the body systems work together to produce movement.  Through practical activities students explore the relationships between the body systems and physical activity.  They are introduced to the energy pathways utilised to provide movement. Students use biomechanical principles to improve movement.  They use practical activities to demonstrate the correct application of biomechanics in sport and physical activity.  Students will also investigate either technological advancements from a biomechanical perspective or injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Unit 2:  Sports coaching and physically active lifestyles

This unit explores a range of coaching practices and their contribution to effective coaching and improved performance of an athlete.  By studying various approaches and applying this knowledge to a practical session, students gain a practical insight into coaching.  Students are introduced to physical activity and the role it plays in health and wellbeing of the population.  Through a series of practical activities, students gain an appreciation of the level of physical activity required for health benefits.  Students will also investigate either decision making in sport or promoting active living.

Unit 3:  Physical activity participation and physiological performance

This unit introduces students to an understanding of physical activity and sedentary behaviour from a participatory and physiological perspective. They identify a range of strategies to promote participation in physical activity. Students also investigate the contribution of energy systems to performance in physical activity. They explore the causes of fatigue and consider different strategies used to delay and manage fatigue and promote recovery.

Unit 4:  Enhancing performance

Improvements in performance, in particular fitness, depend on the ability of the individual or coach to gain, apply and evaluate knowledge and an understanding of training. Students undertake an activity analysis. Using the results of the analysis, they investigate the required fitness components and participate in a training program designed to improve or maintain components. They evaluate different techniques and practices used to enhance performance.

Assessment:                     

This course will use the following methods of Assessment:

• Practical and Laboratory Reports
• Research Assignments
• Outcome Tests
• Examinations
• Case Studies

Expected Skills:               

Students should be aware that elements of the course require strong scientific skills and knowledge.

Special Course Commitments:

Several excursions related to the various topics studied throughout the course.