Physical Education and Health

In Physical Education and Health, the focus is on the well-being of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related and movement contexts.

Four underlying and interdependent concepts are at the heart of this learning area:

Hauora is a Māori philosophy of well-being that includes the dimensions taha wairua, taha hinengaro, taha tinana, and taha whānau, each one influencing and supporting the others.

Attitudes and values a positive, responsible attitude on the part of students to their own well-being; respect, care, and concern for other people and the environment; and a sense of social justice.

The socio-ecological perspective is a way of viewing and understanding the interrelationships that exist between the individual, others, and society.


Health promotion is a process that helps to develop and maintain supportive physical and emotional environments and that involves students in personal and collective action.