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 humanreproductive 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
No put-downs!
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

2. AssessmentCategories
Performance Based Tasks/Assignments
Quizzes/tests
Personal Management and Reflection
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 8and have discussed them with your child.
Parent Signature__________________________Date_____________________
Student’s Name _________________________________
Mrs Valerie Birchenall
Wellness Department Program Leader
birchenallv@ismanila.org