HPE continuum from early childhood to secondary level of schooling

Abstract

In this chapter, the learning entitlement, defined as equitable access for all children of health and physical education, is outlined in terms of the transition from state curricula to the Australian Curriculum. There are developments to report since the first edition was released. The Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education curriculum has moved through the stages of writing draft, consultation and review. An educative underpinning of physical education has been established. Viewing health from a strengths-based approach as a philosophy for working with individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities provides an ecological perspective. An ecological perspective incorporates the diverse factors that are evident in most educational settings with unique attributes. As an initial learning activity, Teacher Education Students (TESs) will engage in a teacher biography profiling exercise. This encounter with the past is recommended by researchers and teacher educators in order to acknowledge the background, experience and formed attitudes students bring to the subject of health and physical education. As such, this exercise provides an excellent starting point to prepare teachers of the future to achieve quality physical and health education for all students in schools.