The merging of physical education (PE) and health is becoming increasingly popular. This is due to the recognition that these two subjects are interconnected and that a holistic approach to health education is necessary for students to develop healthy habits and lifestyles. Health Education emphasizes the development of positive health attitudes and relevant skills to achieve a good quality of living. Thus, the focus on skills development is explicitly demonstrated to develop desirable health attitudes, habits, and practices. Health Education from Grade 4 to Grade 10 focuses on the physical, mental, emotional, as well as the social, moral, and spiritual dimensions of holistic health. It enables the learners to acquire essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills that are necessary to promote good nutrition; to prevent and control diseases; to prevent substance misuse and abuse; to reduce health-related risk behaviors; to prevent and control injuries with the end-view of maintaining and improving personal, family, community, as well as global health. It is aimed at health literacy, which specifically consists of cognitive and social skills which determine learners’ motivation and ability to gain access to, understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain health (Nutbeam, 1999). Physical Education is aimed at physical literacy and considers the development of the learner’s movement competency as the highest priority because of its impact on their self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, physical activity participation, fitness and overall health. Physical literacy consists of a combined skill set and mindset that drives learners to choose to become physically active because they are competent in and confident with movement. This disposition results from positive learning experiences and a supportive environment.
Health and Education Resource Centre