Samoa School Syllabus - Health and Physical Education

This syllabus outlines the Health and Physical Education curriculum for primary (Years 1-8) and secondary (Years 9-12) schools in Samoa. The curriculum emphasizes holistic well-being (Soifua Maloloina) encompassing physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed decisions and lead healthy, active lives.

Primary School (Years 1-8)

The primary curriculum is structured around three strands:

• Active Personal Health: Focuses on personal identity, growth and development, nutrition and physical activity, and safety and responsible behavior. Students learn about their bodies, healthy habits, and personal safety. They develop self-esteem and learn to make responsible choices.
• Active Human Movement: Emphasizes movement exploration, fitness, sports science, and social skills through physical activity. Students develop fundamental movement skills, learn about fitness and the science of movement, and build social skills through games, dance, and cultural practices.
• Active Family and Community Health: Centers on promoting health within the family and community, building relationships, and understanding social and cultural influences on health. Students learn about health promotion, develop respectful relationships, practice safety measures, and explore cultural attitudes and beliefs related to health.

Secondary School (Years 9-12)

The secondary curriculum builds upon the primary curriculum and is organized into four strands:

• Active Personal Health and Relationships: Explores personal identity, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships, including understanding and managing the challenges of adolescence. Students develop skills in communication, decision-making, and responsible behavior, addressing issues such as peer pressure, sexuality, and relationships.
• Active Human Movement: Focuses on developing and refining motor skills, understanding fitness principles, and exploring career opportunities in sports and recreation. Students acquire and enhance motor skills, participate in fitness activities, learn about sports science and technology, and investigate career pathways.
• Active Family Health: Examines the dynamics of family relationships, communication, and the impact of various factors on family well-being. Students explore different family structures, learn about family health issues, and develop strategies for resolving conflicts and promoting healthy family environments.
• Active Community Health: Emphasizes health promotion within the community, utilizing community resources, and understanding the impact of social and environmental factors on health. Students participate in health promotion activities, learn about community resources, explore cultural and environmental influences on health, and develop skills in decision-making and responsible citizenship.