Curriculum
The Health Education programme at Ruyton aims to develop in students critical life skills necessary to succeed. The programme provides students with knowledge, skills and behaviours that promote physical, mental, social and emotional health.
Time and effort have been devoted to writing the 2009 Year 7 to 10 Health Education curriculum. Topics such as Food and Nutrition, Risk Taking, Sexual Education, Friendships, Mental Health and Cyber Safety were chosen based on student input via focus groups and surveys.
Verbal Combat - Year 7/8 Programme
A visit from Brainstorm Productions was a highlight in the Year 7 and 8 programme. The girls watched a production called ‘Verbal Combat’. This production addressed issues relating to bullying and harassment and made it clear to students that certain behaviours (such as excluding people, spreading rumours and sending unwanted text messages or emails) is in fact bullying and should not be tolerated. The play also stimulated discussion and gave students some strategies to avoid being a bully or a target.
Celebrating Diversity
During the 'Celebrating Diversity' unit the Year 8 girls enjoyed a visit from Jim Asimakopoulos. Jim is a lively, enthusiastic person with a passion for life. He has cerebral palsy and inspired the girls to be resilient to the challenges they may face in their lives.
Also, as part of the ‘Celebrating Diversity’ unit, the girls met with a representative from Wheelchair Victoria who raised their consciousness about the importance of spinal health and the consequences of risk taking behaviour. A highlight of this session was playing wheelchair basketball.
Stress Management and Mental Health
Stress Management and Mental Health is a key focus in the Year 10 programme. The unit is designed to empower students with knowledge and skills for boosting and maintaining their health and wellbeing so they can handle challenges in life. As part of this unit the students participated in a range of ‘stress relief’ activities including yoga, boxercise and Pilates. They also watched a production from Brainstorm Productions play ‘Wired’. ‘Wired’ explores the reasons why young people can become stressed and/or depressed and acts as a springboard for discussion about physical and emotional wellbeing.
Supportive Friends
‘Being a supportive friend’ was a new topic that was introduced into the curriculum at Year 10. A grief counsellor spoke to the girls about how to be supportive when someone is suffering grief, depression, eating problems, stress and other mental illnesses.
Year 7 Positive Behaviours Programme
Integrated into Health Education is the Year 7 Positive Behaviours programme. This programme aims to establish a culture and consciousness amongst the girls which will act as a foundation for an enduring set of behavioural values as they continue their educational experiences at Ruyton. The Year 12 Leaders were an integral part of this programme and worked closely with the Year 7s in a mentoring capacity.
VCE Health and Human Development
Students studying the VCE Health and Human Development course continue to flourish. In 2007, 42% of the students achieved a study score of 40 or above and in 2008 46% achieved a study score of 40 or above.