Health and Physical Education in the New Zealand Curriculum

Structural framework and achievement aims

The structure of this curriculum is based on general aims, strands, achievement aims, achievement objectives, underlying concepts, and key areas of learning.

General aims:
The aims are for students to:

1. develop the knowledge, understandings, skills, and attitudes needed to maintain and enhance personal health and physical development;
2. develop motor skills through movement, acquire knowledge and understandings about movement, and develop positive attitudes towards physical activity;
3. develop understandings, skills, and attitudes that enhance interactions and relationships with other people;
4. participate in creating healthy communities and environments by taking responsible and critical action.

Strands

1. Personal Health and Physical Development
2. Movement Concepts and Motor Skills
3. Relationships with Other People
4. Healthy Communities and Environments

Achievement aims:
Students will:

1. 1. gain understandings and skills to manage and adjust to the processes of growth and maturation;
   2. understand and appreciate, as a result of experience, the contribution of physical activity to personal well-being;
   3. meet and manage challenges and risks in positive, health-enhancing ways;
   4. analyse attitudes and values and take actions that contribute to their personal identity and self-worth. (In this document, "personal identity and self-worth" includes the ideas of self-concept, self-confidence, and self-esteem.)
   
   
2. 1. develop and apply, in context, a wide range of movement skills and facilitate the development of physical competence;
   2. develop a positive attitude towards physical activity by accepting challenges and extending their personal capabilities and experiences;
   3. develop and apply a knowledge and understanding of the scientific, technological, and environmental factors that influence movement;
   4. develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural factors that influence people's involvement in physical activity.
   
   
3. 1. come to understand the nature of relationships;
   2. increase their understanding of personal identity and develop sensitivity to, and respect for, other people;
   3. use interpersonal skills effectively to enhance relationships.
   
   
4. 1. find out how societal attitudes, values, beliefs, and practices affect well-being;
   2. identify the functions of resources and services that support well-being, find out about their availability, and identify the roles of individuals and groups that contribute to them;
   3. understand the rights and responsibilities, laws, policies, and practices that relate to people’s well-being;
   4. understand the interdependence between people and their surroundings and use this understanding to help create healthy environments.
   
   

Achievement objectives at each level
Focus

1. 1. Personal growth and development
   2. Regular physical activity
   3. Safety and risk management
   4. Personal identity and self-worth
   
   
2. 1. Movement skills
   2. Positive attitudes and challenge
   3. Science and technology
   4. Social and cultural factors
   
   
3. 1. Relationships
   2. Identity, sensitivity, and respect
   3. Interpersonal skills
   
   
4. 1. Societal attitudes and beliefs
   2. Community resources
   3. Rights, responsibilities, and laws
   4. People and the environment