Case Study: Araura College

Araura College, the sole secondary school on the island of Aitutaki, serves students from Years 7–13. Since 2017, it has played a pivotal role in the design and development of PSHLP, ensuring that Pa Enua perspectives were meaningfully represented.
The school’s leadership and staff have made substantial contributions to the progression of PSHLP and Ora‘anga Tūmanava, embedding principles across teaching and learning programmes and within the wider community of Aitutaki.

Project timeline

	Brought Pa Enua perspective to PSHLP Phase I review; contributed to planning for scale-up inclusive of Pa Enua
	Engaged in PLD exploring the Y11 Diabetes in My Community and Y9 Nutrition programmes Embedded PSHLP into the school’s strategic plan Participated in Aitutaki sense-making meetings; started planning for Aitutaki’s engagement & integration in PSHLP
	During COVID-19: Distributed COVID-19 age-appropriate pamphlets to families Explored COVID-19 using PSHLP learning resources
	Implemented My Health Profile programme with Y9 students PLD relating to My Environment—Nutrition PLD relating to Me, Myself, My Environment—Nutrition Co-led planning and development of a study to measure PA and sleep levels in Cook Islands adolescents; developed a cross-curricular model to embed this in learning via English, Media Studies, and Health & P.E.
	Students and teachers present research at National Health Conferences Continued to implement My Environment—Nutrition School leadership engaged in My Health Profile review Lead national school testing My Environment—Physical Activity programme with Y7 & Y8 students
	Continued to implement PSHLP programmes and contribute to academic reporting of evaluations Continued to contribute to Ora’anga Tūmanava community of learning

Impact Highlights

Overall, the PSHLP modules have provided students at Araura College over the last seven years with practical tools, enhanced communication abilities, sharpened observational skills, and instilled vital health-related key messages.

Future Vision

• Fully integrate PSHLP principles across the curriculum, moving beyond standalone modules to weave health and wellbeing into core subjects, projects, and daily school life, to foster holistic learning.
• Actively engage parents, families, and the wider Aitutaki community in PSHLP initiatives, creating collaborative partnerships that support student health and wellbeing both inside and outside the school gates.
• Elevate health literacy among students, and the community through innovative campaigns, workshops, and resources, addressing key health challenges and promoting preventative measures.
• Empower students to take ownership of their health and wellbeing by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions and advocate for their health needs.
• Continuously develop teachers’ capacity to effectively deliver engaging and impactful PSHLP content and methodologies, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and resources.
• Explore and implement diverse and engaging delivery methods, incorporating technology, peer-led initiatives, and experiential learning to cater to different learning styles and maximise student participation.
• Establish clear and measurable outcomes for PSHLP programmes, allowing for ongoing evaluation, adaptation, and demonstration of the positive impact on student health behaviours and overall wellbeing.