Health and physical education is concerned with learning about, and through, healthy human development and change. By their very nature, knowledge, practices, skills, attitudes and values relating to health and physical activity contribute profoundly to the development of human identity, and to personal, societal and environmental health.

Studies in health and physical education encompass a broad spectrum of knowledge relating to the wellbeing, health, behaviour, skills and dispositions, and physical, social and emotional development of individuals and members of communities. Through these knowledges, skills and dispositions, individuals, groups and communities make decisions about recreation, health, hygiene, fitness practices, work and occupational choices. Health and physical education contributes to lifelong learning in these important aspects and to a holistic understanding of life.Learning in health and physical education promotes the integration of physical, social, emotional, environmental and spiritual dimensions of living, and include areas such as health education, physical education, home economics, outdoor education and sport education.

The health and physical education Learning Area aims to develop in all students:
§ an understanding of the interrelated nature of the physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions of life
§ the ability to make informed judgments about health and wellbeing for themselves and in their relations with others
§ a positive disposition towards lifelong participation in regular physical activity
§ the ability to enhance their own and others’ self-concept a wide range of skills which promote healthy active practices
§ skills for creating and maintaining positive interactions § safe and respectful behaviours and responsibility to maintain safe environments
§ a commitment to promoting equity, valuing diversity and justice, and establishing supportive learning environments
§ an exploration of future work in the health, education and training, food and hospitality, fitness, sport and recreation industries
§ an ability to critically reflect on, articulate and challenge social constructs with a view to improving health outcomes for themselves, others and communities
§ capacities to apply learning in health and physical education to other Learning Areas, to life in the wider community, to the virtual community, and in accessing further education and training.