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Health and Human Development

OVERVIEW

VCE Health and Human Development takes a broad and multidimensional approach to defining and

understanding health and wellbeing. Students examine health and wellbeing, and human development as dynamic concepts, subject to a complex interplay of biological, sociocultural and environmental factors, many of which can be modified by health care and other interventions.

Students consider the interaction of these factors, with particular focus on the social factors that influence health and wellbeing; that is, on how health and wellbeing, and development, may be

influenced by the conditions into which people are born, grow, live, work and age.

Students consider Australian and global contexts as they investigate variations in health status between populations and nations. They look at the Australian healthcare system and research what is being done to address inequalities in health and development outcomes. They examine and evaluate the work of global organisations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization, as well as non-government organisations and the Australian government’s overseas aid program.

VCE Health and Human Development is designed to foster health literacy. As individuals and as citizens, students develop their ability to navigate information, to recognise and enact supportive behaviours, and to evaluate healthcare initiatives and interventions.

It incorporates the truth that all life originates in God and that our health and wellbeing are important to Him as our Creator. The study explores the physical, social, emotional and mental aspects of health and development, beginning with the individual and progressing to family, local community and finally to the global stage. With the change in values in our society, students will be challenged to assess their responsibilities, and those of the community, in considering God’s word and developing a sense of stewardship and positive interaction for self, family and the community.

This study recognises that health and human development are influenced by lifestyle, environment, behaviour, politics, genetics and many other factors and the way these factors interact. It is hoped that students will learn to analyse and filter the information presented to them in a godly way and begin to use these principles to influence our society.

SUBJECT LENGTH

Unit 1 & 2 are semester long. Units 3 & 4 must be completed together in a calendar year for a study score to be generated.

TOPICS INCLUDE

UNIT 1: UNDERSTANDING HEALTH AND WELLBEING

  • Health perspectives and influences
  • Health and nutrition
  • Youth health and wellbeing

UNIT 2: MANAGING HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Developmental transitions
  • Health care in Australia

UNIT 3: AUSTRALIA’S HEALTH IN A GLOBALISED WORLD

  • Understanding health and wellbeing
  • Promoting health and wellbeing

UNIT 4: HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

  • Health and wellbeing in a global context
  • Health and the Sustainable Development Goals

PREREQUISITES

Units 3&4 would ideally be taken after completing at least Unit 2

ASSESSMENT

Units 1 & 2

A grade for each assessment is provided and will contribute towards an S or N for these units.

Units 3 & 4

  • School Assessed Coursework Unit 3 (25%)
  • School Assessed Coursework Unit 4 (25%)
  • External Examination (2 hours) (50%)