Creating Your Legacy

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is Lesson 9 of 10 in the Year 13 Health unit "Building Positive Relationships". Students will be introduced to a passion project where they develop a proposal to leave a positive legacy by linking their personal interests to societal benefit. This lesson ties into the New Zealand Curriculum's Health and Physical Education learning area and develops key competencies and values essential for responsible citizenship.

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Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education (HPE)

• Achievement Objective(s):
  • Level 8 (Year 13):
    Students will understand the nature of relationships and how they contribute to well-being for self and others.
    Key focuses: Building relationships based on respect, empathy, and shared positive intentions.
  • Develop critical thinking about personal values and societal impact.

Key Competencies (NZ Curriculum, pp.12-13)

• Thinking: Use creative and critical thinking to plan and develop a passion project proposal.
• Managing self: Set goals, manage time, and organise ideas independently.
• Relating to others: Consider others’ perspectives and societal values when framing legacy ideas.
• Participating and contributing: Engage actively in class and develop ideas that could positively impact the community.

Values (NZ Curriculum)

• Community and participation for the common good
• Integrity
• Respect

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Explain the concept of a personal legacy and its significance in building positive relationships.
2. Identify personal passions and interests that could connect to positive societal impacts.
3. Develop a clear outline for a passion project proposal aimed to create a legacy in their community or wider society.
4. Collaborate respectfully with peers to share and refine project ideas.

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Materials Required

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed worksheets: Passion Project Proposal Template (including sections for "Interest area", "What legacy do I want to leave?", "How will my project benefit others?")
• Projector or screen for whole-class prompts and examples
• Sticky notes or small cards for brainstorming

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Lesson Breakdown (45 minutes)

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion: What does it mean to leave a legacy? Invite examples from famous people or historical figures known in New Zealand or globally.
• Link legacy to building positive relationships and community impact.
• Introduce the passion project overview: students will develop a proposal connecting their unique interests with making a positive contribution to society.

2. Individual Reflection and Brainstorm (10 minutes)

• Students individually reflect and write down three personal passions or interests.
• Using sticky notes, students list potential ways these passions could create a positive impact or legacy.
• Teacher circulates, encouraging students to think about both local (school, community) and broader societal scales.

3. Group Sharing & Discussion (10 minutes)

• In small groups of 4-5, students share their passions and legacy ideas.
• Groups identify common themes and give constructive feedback to help peers refine their ideas.
• Encourage respectful listening and relating to others’ viewpoints (relating to others competency).

4. Passion Project Proposal Development (15 minutes)

• Distribute the Passion Project Proposal Template.
• Guide students through completing key sections:
  • Describe your personal passion or interest.
  • State the legacy you want to create.
  • Explain how this project benefits others or society.
  • Outline initial steps or actions you might take.
• Teacher models with an example on the whiteboard.
• Students work independently, with targeted teacher support for individual needs (managing self competency).

5. Wrap-up and Next Steps (5 minutes)

• Invite 2-3 volunteers to briefly share their project proposals with the whole class.
• Summarize how creating a legacy ties into building positive relationships and contributing to community well-being.
• Explain next lesson will focus on project planning and peer feedback.
• Set expectations for beginning to research or gather resources to support their projects.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through observation during discussions and group activities.
• Collection of completed Passion Project Proposal Templates as evidence of understanding and personal connection to the theme.
• Teacher feedback on clarity, feasibility, and connection to positive societal impact.

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Inclusive Practices & Differentiation

• Provide writing support or alternative presentation methods (oral explanation, visual mapping) for students needing assistance.
• Encourage a range of passions, respecting cultural backgrounds and identities, including Māori perspectives on legacy and community (tikanga and manaakitanga).
• Use flexible grouping and allow peer teaching to support diverse learners.

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Reflection and Teacher Notes

• Consider using Te Reo Māori concepts of legacy, such as whakapapa (genealogy, legacy) or manaakitanga (care for others), to deepen cultural relevance.
• Foster a classroom culture of respect and encouragement to empower student voice and agency in project ideas.
• Ensure to link the project’s societal impact with post-school pathways or community engagement opportunities to enhance relevance.

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Creating this lesson plan serves not only to develop students' understanding and skills in health education but also nurtures the core competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum and grows them as thoughtful, engaged citizens who contribute to positive social change.

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References:

• New Zealand Curriculum, Health and Physical Education learning area, Key Competencies, and Values.
• National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP).
• Curriculum examples of teaching for Year 13 Health focusing on relationships and societal well-being, , .