Your Health is Your Wealth!
Key Element: Personal Health
Year 8
Habits formed in childhood are likely to continue into adulthood. So, t his unit provides opportunities for pupils to explore the concept of a balanced and healthy life. By looking at nutrition, exercise and health, pupils will develop a deeper understanding of their physical and emotional needs and the impact that making poor choices has on their general wellbeing. A variety of teaching methodologies are used to investigate issues such as exercise, managing stress, making choices for a healthy heart and the importance of a balanced diet. The unit also looks at the factors that can influence our physical and emotional wellbeing.
What is Personal Health?
Personal Health is about developing responsible behaviour and encouraging positive attitudes that should lead towards emotional, physical and mental health. It provides opportunities to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to inform their choices and decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Why is Personal Health important?
We want our young people to grow into happy and healthy adults who make healthy choices and live healthy lifestyles. The Key Element of Personal Health can make a significant contribution to this intended outcome. The links between the health and well-being of pupils and their capacity to benefit from educational opportunities and attain high standards of achievement have been well established for many years. Good health narrows the opportunity gap and has significant positive effects on personal, social and educational achievement. Through education in Personal Health, teachers can help young people to explore the choices, decisions and issues which face them. This Key Element will also engage them in activities which will enhance their learning and, in turn, their health and well-being.
“To achieve their potential, schoolchildren must participate fully in educational activities. To do this they must be healthy, attentive and emotionally secure.”
World Health Organization (WHO), 2000