One of its functions would be to provide a forum for such local decision-making. A perspective specific to each grade level provides a developmental focus as students progress towards the achievement of the aim and goals of the curriculum. The curriculum guide provides for and encourages local decision-making . The sample units are suggested models or examples, and leave room for local planning. Flexibility in the choice of specific issues within the four broad topics takes into account the many variables that exist at the local level and gives schools the opportunity to join in with national, provincial and local program thrusts that may be highlighted from year to year.
Health is more than an educational goal.
A healthy living environment is essential throughout the school, not just in health education classes. The school, as a living environment, provides many opportunities for the student to apply health principles acquired at home, in the community, from the media and from formal school curricula. The role of the family in health education deserves special consideration. Variations in family living patterns in our society include nuclear and extended families, the single-parent family, the blended family and the broken family. Basic values such as justice, compassion, truth, the dignity of the person, empathy and tolerance for divergent viewpoints are universally held values in a pluralistic society and fundamental to health instruction.