Health is the study of the complete physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and communities.
It focuses on an individual’s ability to gain access to, understand and use health information and services in ways that promote and maintain health and wellbeing.
Students gain an insight into the body systems response to health issues on an individual level across the lifespan, community, national and global level.
Students can choose to undertake health studies, building on their skills and knowledge through Year 10 All About Health, VCE HHD as well as VET Allied Health.
Unit 1 Health & Human Development looks at health and wellbeing as a concept and the many different perspectives that exist for people with different backgrounds, experiences, attitudes and beliefs. In this unit students will discover differing health perspectives and what influences these views. Students will also evaluate the health status of Australian youth, the importance of nutrition for youth health and wellbeing, along with factors contributing to youth health issues.
Although Units 1 and 2 are not prerequisites before completing Units 3 & 4, it is recommended that Unit 1 is completed as it contains relevant information needed.
For further information please refer to page 83 of the St. Joseph's College Subject Information Handbook.
Unit 2 Health & Human Development investigates the characteristics of development as humans travel through the lifespan. Students will look at the changes and expectations that are part of the progression from youth to adulthood. They will also explore the role of parents and carers, and the stages of prenatal development. The Australian Healthcare System is analysed and research will be conducted on the range of health services available in our community.
For further information please refer to page 83 of the St. Joseph's College Subject Information Handbook.
Unit 3 HHD explores the health of Australians and the factors that contribute to good or poor health. It investigates the concepts of health and wellbeing and health status in relation to various population groups within Australia. Students will explore the factors that contribute to variations in health status, especially those related to dietary risks and healthy eating. Students evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion strategies and the role of the Australian Government in promoting health such as through access to Medicare, the PBS, private health insurance and the NDIS; as well as ways to improve dietary intake through the dietary guidelines and work of Nutrition Australia in promoting healthy eating.
Unit 4 HHD explores the health of Australians in a global context. It investigates the health and human development of people living in high, middle and low income countries and the factors that contribute to differences such as poverty, access to clean water and sanitation, inequality and discrimination and global marketing of tobacco, alcohol and processed foods. Students explore global trends such as climate change and mass migration and the impact these have on the health of people throughout the world. Students investigate into the Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate the role of the WHO and Australian Government in promoting health and human development and the social actions we can take as individuals to improve the health and human development of people living in low income countries.
For further information please refer to page 84 of the St. Joseph's College Subject Information Handbook.
Useful links:
VCAA HHD Study Design - https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/health-human-development/Pages/index.aspx
Australian Government - Job Outlook
Job Outlook - Nursing
Job Outlook - Chiropractor
Job Outlook - Health Sciences
Job Outlook - Public Health
Job Outlook - Childcare
Job Outlook - Occupational Therapy
Job Outlook - Teaching
Job Outlook - Social Work
Job Outlook - Health Care
FAQ’s for HEALTH
Can I do Unit 3 & 4 HHD without doing Unit 1 & 2 HHD?
Yes, but unit 1 is preferred to be completed.
Can I do Unit 2 HHD without doing Unit 1 HHD?
Yes.
Can I accelerate VCE HHD?
Yes, preference is to complete Unit 1 and Unit 2 in Year 10, rather than just picking up Units 3 and 4 in Year 11.
I want to work in the health field, should I do Allied Health or HHD?
Do both subjects, as they both compliment each other.
If I don’t want to do a VCE subject in Year 10, which is the best subject to lead into HHD or Allied Health?
You should do the new Yr 10 subject - All About Health
What do I get if I study Allied Health?
A Certificate III qualification as well as a study score from your final exam that will add to your overall ATAR for university entrance.
What can I do with my Allied Health certificate?
The units studied can be used as credit towards further study at TAFE in a higher qualification as well as some tertiary courses. You can also apply for positions as an Allied Health Assistant in a variety of health settings.
What practical aspects are involved?
As this is a VET course, there is many practical activities that are completed and assessed to gain competency as well as Structured Work Placement in the health care industry (Aged Care, hospitals, physio, dentist, etc) of a set number of hours across the 2 year course.