Wellbeing

Subject Philosophy

In Wellbeing Block students will develop their physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing through Physical Education, Counseling Seminar, Health, and Spiritual Explorations.  Each year, there is a theme that focuses on student learning.  These themes include the following: 

Grade 9: Build

Grade 10: Base

Grade 11: Balance

Grade 12: Beyond

Wellbeing Block Scheduling

 

Mapping the Student Wellbeing Program

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Physical Education 9	Physical Education 10	PE Electives (see below)	PE Electives (see below)
Grade 9 Seminar: Transitions to HS	Grade 10 Seminar: Positive Psychology & Career Research	Grade 11 Seminar: College & Post Secondary Planning	Grade 12 Seminar: Transitions
Spiritual Explorations 9	Spiritual Explorations 10	Spiritual Explorations 11	Spiritual Explorations 12
		Health

Mapping the Physical Education Electives

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
		Group Dynamics in Movement	Physical Education 12 (yearlong)
		Individual Pursuits	Group Dynamics in Movement
		Exercise Action in Science	Individual Pursuits
		Lifelong Movement and Wellness	Exercise Action in Science
			Lifelong Movement and Wellness

 

Physical Education

Physical Education at HKIS is an integral part of the educational process and contributes to the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development of every student. The mission of Physical Education at HKIS is the development of autonomous, lifelong learners who readily participate in meaningful physical activity on a regular basis. Further, the aim is to foster the development of positive attitudes toward a lifetime commitment to physical activity and well-being – through lessons focusing on understanding games, skill development and participation. The graduation requirement is 2.0 credits, 0.5 credits coming from Health. In grade 9 and 10, students will take a required 9 and 10 PE program, and in grades 11 and 12, students can choose from a variety of PE electives.  One PE elective is required between grades 11 and 12 starting in August 2026. Students can take up to one (1) PE semester elective each semester in grades 11 and 12.

NOTE: 2026 graduates must fulfill 2.0 PE credits and will be required to take 1 PE elective in grade 12 because they do not have a 0.5 credit in Health.  This elective can be taken inside or outside the Wellbeing Block. If inside the Wellbeing block, the only choice is PE 12, and it will run on the A/B schedule all year. If outside the Wellbeing Block there will be a variety of choices of semester electives.

Program Goals

1. Concept-based skill development
   • To educate students as to the structure of games and movement skills whereby the tactical understanding and skill execution can be learned, transferred and perfected.
   • To target each student’s base skill level through differential teaching strategies to enable individual skill progression.
   • To enable learners to participate successfully in a physical activity even though it may not have been specifically included in the program.
2. Development of positive attitudes. These attitudes will focus on:
   • Physical activity. 
   • Fitness.
   • Self-concept.
   • Relationships with others.
   • Social behavior.
   • Personal and group safety.
3. A lifestyle oriented to overall well-being:
   • To provide each student with the opportunity to develop an optimal level of fitness.
   • To educate and excite students about pursuing active, healthy lifestyles.
   • To assist students in the development of attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary to initiate and maintain appropriate fitness programs.
   • To promote self-motivated learning as related to fitness and well-being.
   • To give students the opportunity to live what they have learned through participation in physical education.
   • To educate and excite students to improve their diet and well-being.

Spiritual Explorations (SPEX)

Spiritual Explorations (SPEX) is the foundation for a student’s spiritual development in high school at HKIS. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to develop their own sense of spiritual identity and find meaningful ways to express it. Students will explore how the Christian faith inspires well-being at HKIS while drawing upon the spiritual resources and heritage of other world religions and Chinese philosophy. 

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Health Education

Comprehensive health education provides students with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for making health-promoting decisions, achieving health literacy, adopting health-enhancing behaviors, and promoting the health of others. We believe that students are most successful in an environment that promotes healthy habits, healthy relationships and balanced wellbeing. Health is a 0.5 credit course that students take in Grade 11.

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Seminar Program

All students will engage with Seminar at specific times intended to meet the developmental needs of each grade level.  Seminar is taught by the counselors and delivers content grounded in the 4 ISCA domains: social/personal, college & career, academic planning and global perspective:  

• In grade 9, students will develop skills to build their executive functioning, emotional intelligence and understand the academic expectations for high school

• In grade 10, students will cultivate understanding of the tenets of positive psychology, understand how their values can be used as a tool to envision potential future career options

• In grade 11, students will explore post secondary options and implement the steps necessary to research and plan for life after HKIS

• In grade 12, students will take ownership of the college application process and plan for life transitions ahead 

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