Health students empower young minds

The school gym was transformed into an interactive exhibition space as Year 12 Health students hosted a Health Expo for visiting Avondale Intermediate students on Tuesday.

As part of their Year 12 Health Achievement Standard 2.3 assessment, students researched mental health issues affecting youth in West Auckland. They gathered information by interviewing younger siblings, Year 9 students, and other rangatahi to better understand the challenges young people face.

Using their findings, each group set up a table featuring a different hands-on activity, all aimed at helping students better understand and manage their mental health. Some stations encouraged creativity, such as drawing emotions and representing feelings through art. Others were more practical, like making stress balls by filling balloons with water and flour. There were also trust-building experiences, including being blindfolded and guided through an obstacle course, as well as a sharing circle where students could talk openly in a supportive environment. Together, these activities created an engaging and varied experience for everyone involved.

For the visiting intermediate students, the day was a memorable experience. Toby, a Year 8 student, especially enjoyed the hands-on elements: “Making the squishies was a really fun experiment. Lots of the tables explained why bullying is bad.” Meanwhile, Year 7 student Michella appreciated the supportive atmosphere: “It’s fun letting your emotions out and it was cool getting to chat to the older students - they were really nice.”

The Health Expo gave students the opportunity to apply their learning through health promotion, while gaining valuable insight into the needs of younger students. Following the event, students will reflect on the effectiveness and impact of their health promotion action as part of their assessment.