This year has seen Health lessons expand in Barbreck.

In 2022, every class from Prep to Year 6 participates in one lesson a week devoted to Health.

Prep to Year 5 is taught by me, and Ms Samantha Basford, Senior School Health teacher, is taking Year 6. The ability to utilise Samantha within the Junior School provides a wonderful transition opportunity for the Year 6 students as they prepare to move into the Senior School in 2023, as well as sharing Samantha’s Health knowledge.

There are so many aspects to Health to explore. The Australian Curriculum focus areas spread across two Year levels, for example: Years 1 and 2, Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6 are grouped, Prep stands alone.

Within Barbreck we have created curriculum focus areas for each Year level to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of each topic, allowing the girls to unpack and delve into each focus area.

In Term 1 the focus areas are:

With many new students commencing in Barbreck this year, the first lesson for each Year level was devoted to getting to know each other, discovering who they are and what makes them unique.

We discussed their likes and dislikes, and hobbies etc. We also looked at what Health is about and what we will be focusing on this term.

The girls identified the key areas of looking after yourself, looking after your feelings, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, personal hygiene, getting plenty of rest and sleep, and dressing appropriately for the conditions.

The girls are keen to share their ideas and knowledge in class. They are also keen to find out more about their bodies and how they work. Their curiosity to learn is encouraged and they are always encouraged to think about why things might happen.

It is often a random question that can lead to so much learning. Being able to use books and technology to research the answer on the internet immediately opens up so many possibilities for learning. I love these moments, when someone asks a question and we have the time to explore it, which opens up more questions and more discoveries for the students. A question box is also available for those girls would like to ask a health related question anonymously. I then answer these questions, when time permits. Answers are age and stage appropriate.