Exploring Health Dimensions

Year Level

Year 7

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

20 students

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Australian Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area

Health and Physical Education

Content Description

• AC9HP8P02: Analyse the impact of changes and transitions, and devise strategies to support themselves and others through these changes (focus on dimensions of health and wellbeing)
• AC9HP8P01: Analyse and reflect on the influence of values and beliefs on the development of identities
• AC9HP8P09: Investigate how media and influential people impact attitudes, beliefs, decisions and behaviours in relation to health, safety, relationships and wellbeing

General Capabilities

• Critical and creative thinking
• Personal and social capability
• Ethical understanding

Cross-curriculum Priorities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures: Understanding how cultural values influence health and identities

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the five dimensions of health: physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
2. Analyse how these dimensions influence their overall health and wellbeing, particularly during adolescence and transitions.
3. Reflect on how values, beliefs, and cultural factors shape health and wellbeing.
4. Evaluate the impact of media and influential people on attitudes and behaviours linked to health.
5. Collaborate to devise strategies promoting positive health across different dimensions.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector or large screen
• Printed "Health Dimensions" cards (one per dimension)
• Sticky notes and pens
• Chart paper for group work
• Short video clip demonstrating the five dimensions of health (age-appropriate)
• Scenario cards depicting situations involving health challenges across dimensions

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brainstorming activity: Ask students, "What does being healthy mean to you?"
• Write ideas on the board, grouping responses under possible categories like physical health, mental health etc.
• Introduce the concept of the five dimensions of health and wellbeing:
  • Physical
  • Social
  • Emotional
  • Mental
  • Spiritual
• Show a brief, engaging video summarising these dimensions.

Objective: Build prior knowledge and hook student interest.

2. Direct Teaching & Class Discussion (10 minutes)

• Explain each dimension clearly with real-life examples relatable to year 7 students.
• Discuss briefly how these dimensions interact and influence overall wellbeing.
• Connect to Australian cultural context, reflecting on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander beliefs influence spiritual and social dimensions of health (referencing AC9HP8P01_E3, AC9HP8P01_E4).
• Discuss why understanding these dimensions is important during adolescence—when physical, emotional, and social changes occur.

3. Interactive Group Activity: Health Dimensions Carousel (20 minutes)

• Students divide into 5 groups; each group starts at a station focused on one dimension of health.
• Each station includes:
  • A description card of the dimension
  • A real-life scenario card depicting a challenge related to that dimension (e.g., physical injury, social isolation, anxiety, cultural identity issues)
  • A prompt question on a sticky note asking groups to discuss and list strategies to support wellbeing in that dimension.
• Groups rotate every 4 minutes until all students have visited each station.
• Students write their strategies on sticky notes and place them on the chart paper.

Objective: Promote collaborative critical thinking and deepen understanding of each health dimension.

4. Group Reporting & Class Reflection (15 minutes)

• Each group presents key ideas and strategies from one of the health dimensions.
• Facilitate a whole-class discussion on:
  • How the dimensions overlap (e.g., emotional health affecting physical health)
  • The role of values and beliefs in shaping responses to these challenges
  • The impact of media and influential people on decisions related to health and wellbeing (referencing AC9HP8P09)
• Teacher highlights links to curriculum, e.g., managing changes during adolescence, cultural sensitivity, positive media influences.

5. Conclusion & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick written reflection: Students write a short paragraph on which health dimension they feel is most important to their own wellbeing and why.
• Optional homework extension: Observe and journal examples in media or their lives that relate to different health dimensions.

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Differentiation & Extension

• For students needing support: Provide sentence starters for reflections, and simplified scenario cards.
• For advanced students: Challenge them to propose ways to combine strategies across different dimensions for holistic wellbeing.
• Cultural responsiveness: Include examples and discussions about First Nations’ concepts of health and wellbeing.

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Assessment Criteria

• Participation in group discussions and rotation activity.
• Quality and insight of contributions during group report.
• Written reflection assessing understanding of health dimensions impact.
• Demonstrated awareness of cultural influences and media effects on health beliefs, aligned with AC9HP8P01 and AC9HP8P09.

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Teacher Notes

This lesson encourages active learning and critical thinking through discussion, collaboration, and reflection. It aligns with Australian Curriculum expectations focused on understanding dimensions of health and wellbeing, especially relevant for early adolescence. The integration of cultural contexts and media awareness equips students to navigate their health in contemporary society while respecting diversity.

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References:

• AC9HP8P02, AC9HP8P01, AC9HP8P09: Health and Physical Education, Years 7-8 Content Descriptions and Elaborations, Australian Curriculum v9