Class Health and Physical Fitness

The Health and Physical Fitness module prepares future teachers to promote health within schools. It brings together topics such as movement, physical literacy, growth, participation, inclusion and pupils' well-being. Students learn to interpret physical activity guidelines, assess fitness using FITescola(r), and plan safe, inclusive, and motivating lessons that always consider diversity. Common situations such as overweight, asthma, or diabetes are addressed, with a focus on educational responses, prevention, and communication with families and health professionals. The aim is to train teachers to use Physical Education to encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

Not applicable

Analyse health concepts and health promotion in the school context, considering determinants, responsibilities and the teacher's role. Explore patterns of movement, growth, maturation and pupil diversity. Develop physical literacy and assess physical fitness in an ethical and inclusive manner. Plan differentiated pedagogical strategies, promote active lifestyles, motivation and participation. Identify adaptation needs for pupils with overweight, asthma, diabetes or other conditions. Connect health promotion with the school, families and the community.

The curricular unit employs active and collaborative preparation, with case analysis, critical discussion and authentic assessment. Supporting materials are made available on Moodle prior to classes. Weekly preparation is designed for active participation, with no mandatory written submissions. Classes include an initial overview, oral assessment, group discussion, practical application and synthesis. Activities comprise case analysis, interpretation of results, critical analysis of recommendations, task construction, discussion of dilemmas, simulated communication, and comparison of scientific sources and AI-generated responses. Assessment consists of a written exam, continuous oral evaluation and an individual critical review of the literature.

American College of Sports Medicine. (2025). ACSM's guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (12th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. Direção-Geral da Educação, & Faculdade de Motricidade Humana. (n.d.). FITescola(r): O programa dos alunos ativos.