Teaching Students to Become Active Citizens

Health Studies students in year 11 and 12 have connected with a number of community health groups over the first
semester with a focus on preventative health behaviours.

Year 11 students were given an interesting presentation by the Cancer Council on preventative lifestyle behaviours to reduce the chances of developing a range of cancers. A whole day excursion to the RAC’s Bstreet Smart event highlighted dangers for young drivers and the need for safe driving behaviours followed by a school presentation by the RAC on drugs, alcohol and driving. Students have also achieved their learner’s permit.

Year 12 Health students have had a range of speakers on the topic of drugs and their impact on health. DrYes, a group of student doctors from UWA gave a humorous start to the topic before discussing the myths that
surround drugs in our community. The Western Australian Substance Users’ Association (WASUA) gave everyone an insight into their role in the community (pictured above). They aim to improve the health and social circumstances of substance users, and work toward harm reduction and peer education. We heard about the needle exchange and the programs they run at their centre to support drug users in our community towards rehabilitation. We then visited the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (pictured above right) run by the Salvation Army in Highgate and the Beacon Mens’ Homeless centre in Northbridge. The Salvation Army ran a homelessness workshop in school prior to their Red Shield Door Knock appeal. The students have also been conducting a can drive for Foodbank. They have been helped by the Student Guild.

Our aim is to collect 500 cans to help hunger in our community. Any dry food donations would be appreciated.
The College recognises the hard work that Health Studies teacher, Ms Bev Smith, puts into her learning programs
to make them relevant and interesting for her students.