Health and Physical Education

Health and Physical Education: Hauora

What is health and physical education about? 

In health and physical education, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related and movement contexts. Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area:

• Hauora – 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 – a positive, responsible attitude 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 – a way of viewing and understanding the interrelationships that exist between the individual, others, and society. 
• Health promotion – a process that helps to develop and maintain supportive physical and emotional environments and that involves students in personal and collective action

Why study in this learning area? 

Through learning and by accepting challenges in health related and movement contexts, students reflect on the nature of well-being and how to promote it. As they develop resilience and a sense of personal and social responsibility, they are increasingly able to take responsibility for themselves and contribute to the wellbeing of those around them, of their communities, of their environments (including natural environments), and of the wider society. This learning area makes a significant contribution to the well-being of students beyond the classroom, particularly when it is supported by school policies and procedures and by the actions of all people in the school community.

How is the learning area structured? 

The learning activities in health and physical education arise from the integration of the four concepts above, the following four strands and their achievement objectives, and seven key areas of learning. 

The four strands are: 

• Personal Health and Physical Development, in which students develop the knowledge, understandings, skills, and attitudes that they need in order to maintain and enhance their personal well-being and physical development; 

• Movement Concepts and Motor Skills, in which students develop motor skills, knowledge and understandings about movement, and positive attitudes towards physical activity; 

• Relationships with Other People, in which students develop understandings, skills, and attitudes that enhance their interactions and relationships with others;

• Healthy Communities and Environments, in which students contribute to healthy communities and environments by taking responsible and critical action. 

Year 9 & Year 10 Courses

Students in Year 9 must do 5HPE and students in Year 10 must do 5AHPE. All other Health and PE courses in the junior school are optional.

2025 Course Options

Optional courses will only run subject to a minimum number of students selecting the option.
Course Options in BOLD are compulsory.
Courses in italics are not available for selection. Students will be counselled into these courses.

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Course options in this Learning Area