The underlying concepts - Ngā ariā matua
Four key concepts are woven through the strands and the key areas of learning. They are fundamental to all learning in health and physical education.
About this resource
This section from The 2007 New Zealand Curriculum outlines the underlying and interdependent concepts fundamental to all learning in health and physical education. It supports teachers in exploring the structure, essence, and components of the learning area.
The underlying concepts - Ngā ariā matua
Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area.
It is not necessary to cover all four each time health and physical education is taught. As ākonga progress from year to year they should gain a balanced understanding of each of these concepts.
The underlying concepts
Hauora
Hauora is a Māori philosophy of health unique to Aotearoa. It comprises Taha tinana (the physical dimension), Taha hinengaro (the mental dimension), Taha whānau (the family dimension), and Taha wairua (the spiritual dimension).
Health promotion
Health promotion is a process for developing and maintaining supportive physical and emotional environments. Through health promotion, ākonga learn the value of personal and collective action.
The socio-ecological perspective
The socio-ecological perspective considers social and environmental factors that affect health and wellbeing.
Attitudes and values
Through their learning in health and physical education, ākonga will develop a range of positive and responsible attitudes and values.