Year 11 - Health and Human Development - Ms. Dell's class: Unit 2-AOS 1 Developmental transitions

Area of Study 1

Developmental transitions This area of study examines the developmental transitions from youth to adulthood, with a focus on expected changes, significant decisions, and protective factors, including behaviours. Students consider perceptions of what it means to be a youth and an adult and investigate the expected physical and social changes. They inquire into factors that influence both the transition from youth to adulthood and later health status. They consider the characteristics of respectful, healthy relationships. Students examine parenthood as a potential transition in life. With a focus on the influence of parents/carers and families, students investigate factors that contribute to development, health and wellbeing during the prenatal, infancy and early childhood stages of the lifespan. Health and wellbeing is considered as an intergenerational concept (that is, the health and wellbeing of one generation affects the next).

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain developmental changes in the transition from youth to adulthood, analyse factors that contribute to healthy development during prenatal and early childhood stages of the lifespan and explain health and wellbeing as an intergenerational concept. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.

Key knowledge

• overview of the human lifespan
• perceptions of youth and adulthood as stages of the lifespan
• definitions and characteristics of development, including physical, social, emotional and intellectual
• developmental transitions from youth to adulthood
• key characteristics of healthy and respectful relationships and the impact on health and wellbeing, and development
• considerations in becoming a parent such as responsibilities, and the availability of social and emotional support and resources
• the role of parents, carers and/or the family environment in determining the optimal development of children through understanding of:
  • fertilisation and the stages of prenatal development
  • risk and protective factors related to prenatal development such as maternal diet and the effects of smoking and alcohol during pregnancy
  • physical, social, emotional and intellectual development in infancy and early childhood
  • the impact of early life experiences on future health and development
• the intergenerational nature of health and wellbeing.

Key skills

• collect and analyse information to draw conclusions on perceptions of youth and adulthood
• describe the developmental changes that characterise the transition from youth to adulthood
• analyse the role of healthy and respectful relationships in the achievement of optimal health and wellbeing
• analyse factors to be considered and resources required for the transition to parenthood
• explain factors that influence development during the prenatal and early childhood stages of the lifespan
• explain health and wellbeing as an intergenerational concept.