Health

What does Health look like at Ponsonby?

In health, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related contexts: It includes teaching Hauora and embracing Te Whare Tapa Whā model as an integral part of students’ learning.

Students are focussing on a range of topical issues and draw on inquiry. Students work together cooperatively in discussions, engage in hands-on activities, think/pair/share conversations and independent research tasks. Lessons are frequently differentiated to benefit both high level learners with Q&A conferencing; lower-level learners with one to one teacher time.  Student agency is encouraged and appreciated.

Equally important, at the heart of this learning area, is the fostering of attitudes and values, connections and to provide supportive physical and emotional environments.

Why do we teach Health?

“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 well-being 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 do we teach Health?

• Class Health programme: One core period a week.
• Hauora: Form teachers take their classes for one Hauora session weekly.
• Hauora: Applying the Whare Tapa Wha model to school life
• EOTC Term 1: classes participate in a variety of different team building activities off campus.
• Outside Providers for extracurricular programme: Life Education and Attitude programmes.
• Recreation: Students participate in physical activities either within their class, against other classes or against other houses. The games can vary from competitive sport to cooperative activities, or they can have an individual well-being focus.
• Options: Students can select enrichment opportunities.
• Market Day: students actively participate in this annual event and involve the wider school community.
• Class Camps Term 4: All camps are mainly based on Outdoor Activities ‘challenge by choice’ and give students opportunities to develop healthy relationships and interpersonal skills.

From the Ponsonby Curriculum. Published 2022.