Health Education

Program ConcepT

Wellness is the approach to good health that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, environmental and social well-being.  The goal of health education at AISJ is to assist students in developing a greater awareness of their own personal health and to take an active role in managing their health, as well as the health of their community.  To do so  our Health educators facilitate student discovery of factual, topical, and relevant information regarding health topics and equip students with the tools to utilize this information in their daily life. 

The program recognizes and appreciates the diversity of the school community  and the need to respect others and their cultures.  Students are encouraged to explore their own values and the values of others, within the context of familial and cultural beliefs. Another basic tenet of our program is that a positive self-image helps students to make healthy decisions.  The curriculum promotes self-esteem and creates opportunities for independent thinking which in turn directs students toward a happier and healthier lifestyle. There is a strong focus on Mindfulness and students are taught how to practice various skills and techniques in this area on a daily basis.

 Overreaching standards that have threads in the health curriculum are:

  • The student describes the relationship among nutrition, eating behaviors and health.
  • The student identifies and describes factors which endanger her/his health.
  • The student describes how the body grows, develops and functions.
  • The student describes the impact that tobacco, alcohol and other drugs have on individuals, families and society.
  • The student describes Mindfulness techniques and practices Mindfulness regularly

GRADE 6 HEALTH

 The Grade 6 Health course is all about the Health Triangle, which reminds us about the different aspects of our health. Physical health is all about our bodies and the daily choices we make, concerning nutrition, exercise and sleep. Mental and Emotional health is all about our thoughts and feelings, which make us who we are. We focus on building a healthy self-esteem and learning how to express our emotions in a healthy way. Social health is all about relationships and we focus on school issues, such as Peer Pressure and Bullying.

Students are guided when discovering new knowledge and encouraged to inquire to develop new understanding as well as reflecting on their own lives and experiences. Through discussions in group and whole class settings students are able to share their own unique process of learning with their peers.  Students apply their learning  through problem solving numerous tasks and challenges.

GRADE 7 HEALTH

This course will focus on understanding ‘Risk Behavior’ in the different areas of our lives and the impact of cumulative risks. As each topic is covered, students reflect on possible negative risks and their outcomes and whether there are any possible positive risks, we can take. Topics include, Nutrition, “Who am I?” (What factors contribute to our personalities), Body Image and Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse, Male and Female Reproduction.

Students are guided with new knowledge and encouraged to inquire to develop new understanding as well as reflecting on their own lives and experiences. Application of their learning and problem solving is also an integral part of the lessons.

 GRADE 8 HEALTH

 This course is a study in choices and their consequences. Students investigate the motivation and reasoning behind the many life choices people make. Students continue to learn about Mindfulness and actively practice it during class time. Students also investigate nutrition further by considering the Fast Food phenomenon and the possible health consequences of what happens when we lose nutritional balance. Students learn about the seriousness of Clinical Depression, Anxiety and the tragic increase in Teen Suicide. Students uncover the myths, truths and the signs and symptoms to recognize when those around them are struggling with mental issues, in order to help friends and family. There are honest class discussions about the epidemic of Substance Abuse among teens today, focusing on the “Gateway” Drugs, such as Alcohol and Marijuana. While learning about Male and Female Reproduction, students also discover the many questions and possible scenarios they must consider, before choosing to be sexually active. There is a strong focus on consent and setting boundaries within relationships. Students also explore and investigate different types of contraceptive measures, how they work, and how effective they are.

Students are guided with new knowledge and encouraged to inquire to develop new understanding as well as reflecting on their own lives and experiences. Students often reflect during class and group discussions during which they are able to share their own knowledge and learning, and experience the learning and knowledge of their peers. Students apply their learning through problem solving, which is also an integral part of the lessons.