Health and Movement Science

Course Description

2 Unit Health and Movement Science (HMS) has evolved from Stage 6 PDHPE and explores the scientific concepts that influence health and movement.

Students investigate the health status of Australians and the interrelated factors that affect the health of individuals and communities. Students will draw on epidemiology to think critically the key health issues affecting Australians with a core focus on young people. Students will investigate health promotion through a lens of equity, access and sustainability and examine the options that they have to be advocates for their own and others health.

Students explore the factors that influence movement and performance, and develop the skills to enhance movement for themselves and others throughout their lifetime, including practical application. Students examine the interrelationships between anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, sociology, nutrition, skill acquisition, injury prevention and rehabilitation within the context of maximising performance and participation.

What Students Learn

Through the study HMS students will develop:

• Skills in analysis, collaboration, communication, creative thinking, problem solving and research. 

• Values and attitudes that promote healthy and active lifestyles and communities

• Knowledge and understanding of the factors that affect health

• Capacity to exercise influence over personal and community health outcomes particularly those relating to young people. 

• Knowledge and understanding about the science behind movement. 

• An ability to take action to improve participation and performance in physical activity

Both the Preliminary and HSC courses consist of two Focus Areas representing 60% of course time 1 collaborative investigation representing 20% of course time and a minimum of 2 depth studies representing 20% of course time - see more below. 

Preliminary course:

Focus Area 1: Health for individuals and communities (30%)

• How do we understand and measure Australia’s health?

• What are young people’s meanings of health?

• What key issues affect the health of young people and how can they protect and promote good health?

• What are the opportunities for improving and promoting young people’s health?

Focus Area 2:  The Body and Mind in Motion (30%)

• How do the systems of the body influence and respond to movement?

• What factors influence movement and performance?

• How are movement skills acquired, developed and improved?

• What is the relationship between psychology, movement and performance? 

Depth Studies: (20%)

A minimum of 2 depth studies will be conducted throughout the year and provide opportunities for the class to explore areas of interest and examine them in more detail. This may include case studies, practical lessons and field trips and allow for a unique level of flexibility in the delivery of the course. 

Collaborative investigation: (20%)

Students will engage in 1 collaborative investigation in the prelim course. 

This provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop research and group work skills whilst exploring an area of interest to do with HMS.

HSC course:

Focus Area 1: Health in Australia and Abroad (30%)

• The health status of Australians relative to other countries

• How Australia’s health system achieves better health for all Australians

• The growing and changing use of technology and data in Australia’s health system

• The actions needed to promote and improve the health of Australians

Focus Area 2: Training for Improved Performance (30%)

• How to personalise assessment and exercise prescription

• How training influences movement and performance

• How training differs for individuals and group sports

• The impact of nutrition and supplementation on movement and

• performance

• Training for sustained movement and performance

Depth Studies: (20%)

A minimum of 2 depth studies will be conducted throughout the year and provide opportunities for the class to explore areas of interest and examine them in more detail. This may include case studies, practical lessons and field trips and allow for a unique level of flexibility in the delivery of the course. 

Collaborative investigation: (20%)

Students will engage in 1 collaborative investigation in the HSC course. 

This provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop research and group work skills whilst exploring an area of interest to do with HMS.