Key areas of learning Ngā wāhanga ako matua
What are the key areas of learning?
The key areas of learning (KAL) are the learning contexts through which the skills and knowledge identified in the achievement objectives are explored. Ākonga should participate in learning opportunities in all of these key learning areas as they progress through the curriculum levels.
The spiral nature of learning in health and physical education means that the key areas of learning will be revisited at different levels and in different learning contexts.
The seven key areas of learning are
-
Mental health
With hauora as a foundation, quality mental health education emphasises self-understanding, belonging, and connectedness. It is grounded in culture, place, and history.
-
Relationships and sexuality education
All ākonga equally deserve an education that enables them to develop healthy relationships, become positive in their own identities, and develop competencies for promoting and sustaining their own wellbeing and that of others.
-
Food and nutrition
The aim of food and nutrition education is for ākonga to make informed decisions about food that will contribute to their own wellbeing and that of other people.
-
Body care and physical safety
The aim of the body care and physical safety key area of learning is for ākonga to make informed decisions about body care, to recognise hazards in the environment, and to adopt safe practices in relation to these.
-
Physical activity
The physical activity key area of learning encourages ākonga to enjoy movement, to learn about movement culture, and to develop positive attitudes towards regular participation in physical activities.
-
Sport studies
In sport studies, ākonga identify how sporting experiences influence the development of people's physical and social skills.
-
Outdoor education
Outdoor education is an aspect of education outside the classroom (EOTC) and aims to extend the four walls of the classroom.