1. GRADE 8 WELLNESS
Wellness studies issues related to health and lifestyle focusing on four types of well-being; physical,
emotional, mental, and social. The degree to which these interrelated aspects are nurtured directly
influences our quality of life. This course investigates topics relevant to young adolescents in the areas
of personal safety, human development and sexuality. It seeks to provide information which will assist
them in making safe and healthy choices about relationships, both now and in the future. The major
topics of study this semester include:
Unit 1 Healthy Body - physical fitness, dangers of over commitment, nutrition and common eating
disorders.
Unit 2 Rights and Respect - mental illness, depression and stress management.
Unit 3 Substance Abuse - the physical and mental effects of alcohol and marijuana abuse, the legal
implications associated with drug use, peer pressure, refusal skill strategies, decision-making skills,
emergency response to alcohol abuse and basic first aid.
Unit 4 Sexual Health - the human reproductive system, fetal development, childbirth, teen pregnancy,
parenthood, contraception, rights of the individual, peer pressure, safe dating, abusive relationships,
decision-making skills and effective communication strategies.
In addition to talks, multi-media presentations, readings, projects and activities, classroom discussion
is an integral part of the course. Students are expected to follow the ground rules listed below:
Ground Rules
 Respect the feelings/ideas of others
 Refrain from discussing/questioning at a personal level
 Everyone has the right to “pass” (not to answer any personal or embarrassing question)
 Respect the confidentiality of any personal information students share in class
Course Requirements
 Observe the Wellness ground rules at all times
 Bring materials to class (clear file, spiral note book, pencil or pen, other items as requested by
the teacher)
 Complete assignments/projects on time
 Prepare for tests/quizzes/presentations
Assessment Categories
Achievement
 Knowledge & Understanding (50%)
 Transfer of Knowledge (40%)
 Communication (10%)
Learning Habits
 Organization
 Engagement
 Collaboration

2. Assessment Plan
Grade 8 Wellness Teachers
Ms Valerie Birchenall (Program Leader)
birchenallv@ismanila.org
Ms Carly Relf
relfc@ismanila.org
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or myself.
The telephone number for the Middle School office is 840 8550.
Acknowledgement
Please sign in the space provided below to show that you have read the course requirements for
Wellness 8 and have discussed them with your child.
Parent Signature __________________________ Date _____________________
Student’s Name _________________________________
Mrs Valerie Birchenall
Wellness Department Program Leader
birchenallv@ismanila.org
Summative Assessment
Tasks
Knowledge &
Understanding (50%)
Transfer of
Learning
(40%)
Communication of
Learning
(10%)
Unit 1- Healthy Menu x x
Unit 1- A Time in the Life
(Eating Disorders)
x x x
Unit 1 Test x x
Unit 2- Myth vs Reality
(Depression)
x x
Unit 3- Anti Drug Booklet x x
Unit 3 Test x x x
Unit 4 - Reproductive System
Quiz
x
Unit 4 - HIV Quiz x
Totals 6 5 5