Level 2 Health Studies
201HTH Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs Epati-Tibbotts.
Recommended Prior LearningIt is recommended that students have completed Level 1 Health Studies or have a sound understanding of foundational health concepts. This includes knowledge of hauora and models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā or Fonofale, as well as experience applying these to real-life contexts (e.g. Decision-making scenarios). Students should be able to identify personal, interpersonal, and societal influences on well-being, explain how decisions affect health, and evaluate strategies to support well-being. Prior exposure to adolescent health issues such as mental health, nutrition, relationships, and substance use is beneficial. Students should also be confident in reading health texts, using subject-specific vocabulary, and writing structured explanations or evaluations.
Level 2 Health is designed to help students deepen their understanding of well-being by exploring personal, social, and community health issues. The course encourages students to think critically about the world around them and develop the knowledge and skills needed to make positive decisions that support their own health and the well-being of others.
Throughout the year, students will:
Explore how well-being is influenced by personal choices, relationships, and societal factors
Examine how people adapt and show resilience in the face of change or challenges
Investigate a significant health issue affecting adolescents in New Zealand (e.g. mental health, vaping, or body image)
Evaluate strategies that promote well-being at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels
Learn how to take health-enhancing action within their school or wider community
This subject supports literacy, critical thinking, and personal growth, while building empathy and awareness of real-life health issues. It is suitable for students who enjoy discussions, working with real-world scenarios, and making a difference in their communities.
Assessments are a mix of internal and external standards and align with the New Zealand Curriculum and NCEA Level 2 Achievement Standards.
Course Overview
Semester 1
This semester, students will explore how people bounce back when life throws curveballs — from personal loss to peer pressure, changing schools, or facing challenges in relationships. You’ll dig into real stories, real issues, and take real action that makes a difference.
You’ll also work in teams to plan and lead your own health action project that supports well-being in our school. Think: creative campaigns, social media, events, or small but powerful acts of kindness.
Semester 2
This semester students will focus on analysing a significant adolescent health issue such as mental health, vaping, or body image. They will explore how personal, interpersonal, and societal factors influence the issue, and evaluate the impact on well-being using the concept of hauora. Students will also examine strategies that promote positive outcomes and prepare for the external exam through structured writing, case studies, and critical thinking tasks.
Assessment Policy & Procedures Assessment Information
AS91236 (2.2) – Managing Change
Format: Written Report or Structured Written Response
Students will write a report analyzing a person’s experience with change (from a case study, film, or real scenario). They’ll evaluate the influences on how they coped, and connect it to hauora and the socio-ecological perspective.
Typically structured into sections or paragraphs with headings or PEEL writing.
AS91237 (2.3) – Take Action
Format: Action Plan + Evidence + Written Reflection/Report
Students will plan and carry out a health promotion action (in groups or individually). They will submit:
A brief action plan
Evidence of the action (photos, poster, presentation, etc.)
A short written report or reflection evaluating the action and its impact on well-being
Often supported by a visual or presentation element, but the written evaluation is required for assessment.
AS91235 (2.1) – Adolescent Health Issue
Format: Essay in Exam
Students will sit a written exam at the end of the year. They’ll write a structured essay analyzing a health issue affecting adolescents.
Practice essays will be done throughout the term using PEEL paragraphs and past exam questions.
Health Sciences - Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Occupational Therapy.
Education - Health and Physical Education Teaching, Youth Work.
Social Services - Social Work, Community Development, Mental Health Support.
Sport and Wellbeing - Sports Coaching, Fitness Training, Health Promotion.
Policy and Research - Health Research, Health Policy Analysis and Community Advocacy.
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