Description of teaching strategy
This activity uses a WebQuest to explore the links between the new public health approach, Ottawa Charter and health promotion strategies using the health priority action area of mental health.
A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented research task focusing on information available on the
Internet. It is a framework that supports the learner through the process of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. It provides links to resources and provides a framework that supports students working on the task.
WebQuests enable students to focus their time on using information to achieve specified syllabus outcomes rather than the process of locating websites that may provide the necessary information.
In this WebQuest, students are a member of an advisory committee on improving mental health outcomes for all Australians. This committee has been asked to develop a multifaceted mental health promotion initiative to be implemented as part of the National Mental
Health Strategy 2003-2008 .
What do you want students to learn?
Understand the relationship between the new public health approach, Ottawa Charter and health promotion principles.
Understand why mental health is a priority action area.
Identify the nature and extent of the problem.
Identify inequities and social justice considerations associated with mental health.
Identify other factors that influence the issue.
Research the current actions taken to address mental health in the community and evaluate their success.
Identify and plan what changes could be made.
Justify the changes, identifying how these relate to good health promotion principles.
Syllabus links
H1 describes the nature, and justifies the choice, of Australia's health priorities
H2 analyses and explains the health status of Australians in terms of current trends and groups most at risk
H4 argues the case for the new public health approach to health promotion
H5 explains the different roles and responsibilities of individuals, communities and governments in addressing Australia's health priorities
H14 argues the benefits of health-promoting actions and choices that promote social justice
H15 critically analyses key issues affecting the health of Australians and proposes ways of working towards better health for all
H16 devises methods of gathering, interpreting and communicating information about health and physical activity concepts.
PDHPE Unit, Curriculum K –12 Directorate
NSW Department of Education and Training

What are the priority areas for Australia's health?
 priority areas for action: mental health
- the nature of the problem
- extent of the problem
- risk factors
 identify and draw on current and reliable sources of information to research and analyse mental health.
- social determinants
- groups at risk.
What role does health promotion play in achieving better health for all
Australians?
  characteristics of the new public health approach
-
- empowerment of individuals community participation
- recognition of the social determinants of health analyse practical examples of the new public health model by examining:
- Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion
- Jakarta Declaration on Health
Promotion
- Australia's Health
- community initiatives.
What role do health care facilities and services play in achieving better health for all?
  nature of health care in Australia
- role of health care
- range and types of health facilities and services
- responsibility for health care examine the nature of health services relevant to their lives, and investigate issues of access and adequacy in relation to social justice principles; questions to explore include:
- how equitable is the access and support for all sections of the community?
- how much responsibility should the community assume for individual health problems?
Activity
As part of this task students will have to thoroughly research the extent of the mental health problem and current promotion initiatives in this area.
The advisory committee has an appointment to meet with the National Mental Health
Strategy Steering Committee to present their proposal for a multi-faceted mental health promotion campaign to them for evaluative comment.
An online version of the WebQuest can be located at: www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/pdhpe/npha_wq/index.htm
Checking for learning
Why is mental health a priority?
What population groups suffer from inequities in access to mental health services?
What strategies have been effective in promoting mental health amongst various population groups?
How does the Ottawa Charter and new public health approach relate to health promotion initiatives?
What health promotion strategies would you propose to address inequities in access to mental health services? Why?
PDHPE Unit, Curriculum K –12 Directorate
NSW Department of Education and Training