Cook4Good Outcomes: Stage 3

Outcome: PH3-IHW-01: Examines and explains factors that influence identity, health and wellbeing of individuals and groups. 

Students: 

• examine factors that influence individual and community wellbeing 
• recognise that access to food and other resources can influence health and wellbeing 
• explore how social connection and community support contribute to wellbeing 
• identify actions that can positively influence the health and wellbeing of others 
• reflect on how helping others can contribute to their own sense of purpose, connection and wellbeing 

How this is addressed in Cook4Good 

Students learn about food insecurity and the challenges faced by people experiencing disadvantage. They consider why access to nutritious food is important for health and wellbeing and how community organisations respond to these needs. 

By preparing meals for people in need, students take practical action to support the wellbeing of others while reflecting on how volunteering and helping others can also positively influence their own wellbeing. This is a particularly strong fit with the new PDHPE syllabus, which explicitly aims to equip students to positively influence their own and others’ health and wellbeing.  

Outcome: PH3-SMI-01: Evaluates and applies self-management and interpersonal skills in a range of contexts.  

Students: 

• communicate and cooperate effectively with others 
• work collaboratively towards a shared goal 
• demonstrate responsibility and initiative 
• make decisions and solve problems as part of a team 
• recognise how their individual actions contribute to a group’s success 
• reflect on their contribution to a shared task 

How this is addressed in Cook4Good 

Cook4Good provides students with an authentic context in which to apply teamwork and interpersonal skills. 

Students work together to prepare, cook and package meals safely and efficiently. They need to communicate, share responsibilities, follow instructions, solve problems and understand that every person’s contribution is important to achieving the group’s overall goal. 

Outcome: PH3-RRS-01: Explains and applies skills and strategies to manage respectful relationships.  

Students: 

• demonstrate empathy and respect for others 
• consider experiences and circumstances different from their own 
• recognise the importance of dignity and avoiding stereotypes 
• practise respectful communication and cooperation 
• consider how actions can positively affect other people 

How this is addressed in Cook4Good 

Students explore the circumstances that can contribute to food insecurity, homelessness and disadvantage without defining people by their circumstances. 

Through age-appropriate discussion and reflection, students are encouraged to challenge assumptions, develop empathy and recognise that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness and respect. 

Students then translate empathy into action by preparing meals that will directly support people in their community. 

Outcome: HS3-GEO-01: Examines global citizenship and how people organise, protect and sustainably use the environment, using geographical information.  

Students: 

• explore the roles and responsibilities of individuals within communities 
• investigate ways people participate in and contribute to society 
• recognise the role of charities, volunteers and community organisations 
• consider community needs and how individuals and groups respond to them 
• understand that active citizenship can involve practical community participation 
• recognise that young people can contribute to positive social change 

How this is addressed in Cook4Good 

Students learn about the community organisation receiving the meals they prepare and investigate who the organisation supports, why that support is needed and how volunteers contribute. 

They then move from learning about civic responsibility to actively demonstrating it. 

By cooking and preparing meals for people experiencing hardship, students see firsthand that young people can be active citizens and make a meaningful contribution to their community.