Year 11 Health and Human Development Units 1 and 2
Overview
Unit 1: Understanding health and wellbeing
In this unit, students explore the concept of health and wellbeing, examining varied definitions, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO). They investigate the fundamental conditions for health and wellbeing, considering social justice and health inequities, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The unit covers the dimensions of health and wellbeing, influences on health attitudes and practices, and methods for measuring health outcomes. Students also build health literacy by researching a youth health focus area, interpreting data, and exploring the role of food.
Unit 2: Managing health and development
In this unit, students investigate health and wellbeing transitions and human development from lifespan and societal perspectives, focusing on the progression from youth to adulthood. They examine adulthood as a period of increasing independence, involving long-term relationships, potential parenthood, and health-related milestones. Students develop health literacy by analysing the Australian healthcare system from a youth perspective, exploring digital media’s challenges and opportunities, and considering issues related to health data and access to quality care.
Who is it for?
- do you enjoy exploring the different dimensions of health and wellbeing, such as physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects?
- do you like analysing health data, such as the incidence and prevalence of health conditions, to measure and evaluate health status?
- do you enjoy studying the role of nutrients and food selection models in promoting healthy eating among youth?
- would you be interested in researching some common youth health issues and learn about the programs designed to address these?
- are you interested in understanding how fertilisation and prenatal development stages are affected by risk and protective factors, such as maternal diet and the impact of smoking and alcohol during pregnancy?
- do you want to learn more about the Australian health system and the services available to support youth health?
- are you interested in the factors that affect youth access to health services and the rights and responsibilities associated with using these services?
If you answered yes to any of these, this subject could be for you.
What do you do?
In these units you will complete:
- online classes
- interactive activities
- data analysis about the health status of Australians
- quizzes
- polls
- watching videos
- case studies
- research tasks
- interview family & friends
What skills do you need?
There are no required skills needed to study Unit 1 and 2 Health and Human Development. However, the following will be beneficial:
- time management and organisation skills
- a commitment to ensure regular submissions are completed according to the submission schedule
- ability to read and understand graphs or data sources
- research, collect and analyse health information
- identify key pieces of information within case studies
What skills do you develop?
Some key skills that you will develop throughout Unit 1 and 2 VCE Health and Human Development include:
- analyse different perspectives and definitions of complex concepts.
- interpret and draw conclusions from data and statistics.
- explore the impact of social and cultural factors on outcomes.
- conduct research and interpret findings to support informed decisions.
- assess the effectiveness of strategies or models in achieving goals.
- understand developmental stages and transitions in life.
Requirements
- you must have access to the internet in order to access this course
- all required work will be completed and submitted online
- you need an email address that you will check regularly
Things to think about
This study covers real-life situations and may involve discussion of potentially sensitive topics, particularly in relation to mental health.
However, students are not expected to disclose personal information about their own or their family’s health and behaviours, nor are they required to volunteer to share this information.
Things you can do now
Download the 2025-2029 Study Design from the VCAA Website:
Read the Study Design especially the key knowledge and key skills for each outcome to become familiar with the requirements and assessments of Unit 1 and 2 VCE Health and Human Development.
Keep up to date with current health news. Some websites that can help you with this include:
Things to have a look at
Video explaining the journey of Health and Wellbeing for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people
Overview of prenatal development
Understanding Health Literacy
Video explaining health literacy
Pregnancy: A Month-BY-Month Guide
Video explaining pregnancy