NCEA L1 Health Studies study guide
NCEA L1 Health Studies · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Health Studies is a New Zealand Curriculum subject assessed through NCEA at Level 1 only. It replaced the earlier Health subject, which NZQA states is no longer available at Level 1. The subject is built around the wellbeing of individuals, whānau and communities, and around developing an understanding of the factors that influence the health of these groups. It suits ākonga in their first year of NCEA who are interested in how health is shaped - socially, culturally, economically and environmentally - and who want a foundation for Level 2 and Level 3 Health, or for pathways into health-related study and work. The NCEA L1 Health Studies study guide has 3 sections and about 1,037 words.
01Wellbeing of individuals, whānau and communities
In this domain the exam tests whether you can explain wellbeing holistically and relationally, using models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā. Hauora is often described through four dimensions: taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional), taha whānau (social and family), and taha wairua (spiritual).
355 words, about 2 min02Factors that influence the health of individuals, whānau and communities
This domain asks you to explain why health outcomes differ, not just describe differences. Use a socio-ecological lens: individual (knowledge, skills, genes), whānau/interpersonal (support, caregiving), community (schools, housing, transport, safety), and societal (income, policy, racism, education, health system).
313 words, about 2 min03Health-related inquiry, assessment and decision-making
Health inquiry is a structured process: define a focused question; gather relevant information; assess it; analyse findings; make and justify a decision; act; evaluate. A focused question names the group, setting and outcome-e.g., “What factors increase vaping among Year 11 students at our school?” rather than “Is vaping bad?” Use criteria: authority (who wrote it, qualifications), accuracy (evidence, references), currency (date), purpose (inform, sell, persuade), bias, and relevance to your context.
369 words, about 2 min