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This section provides reviews of resources in PDHPE. The Departments SCAN database provides resource reviews of books and videos and CD-ROMS for all key learning areas.

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Software reviews | Book & Video reviews

Software reviews

Somazone [computer software]

Cinemedia, 1997

ISBN none [613.0433]

High levels of interactivity make this CD-ROM very engaging. Students can explore many of the issues facing youth of today, through the use of the directional buttons and easily navigated format. The development of a personal profile is central to maximising the effectiveness of this teaching tool. Students need to address aspects such as depression, sexual health practices, asthma, stress, gender, fitness, dieting, alcohol, smoking, drugs and self esteem; all of which have relevance to the PDHPE 7-10 syllabus and the PDHPE Stage 6 syllabus. Some of the activities can be challenging to students, but the "chill" room allows students to take a time out when necessary. Quicktime video clips of nine adolescents, their experiences and views of life, further enhance the value of this CD-ROM. A wide range of health issues and their social, emotional and legal implications are discussed in Physical health, Mental health, Drug use,and Relationships. C. Maher

Minimum requirements
Macintosh: 68030; System 7; 6MB RAM; 256 colours
Windows 3.1/95: 486; 6MB RAM
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads;PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6

Book & Video reviews

Body image

/ edited by Kaye Healey. Spinney, 1999 (Issues in society 105)

ISBN 1876811145 [155.2]

A series of articles in this resource provides interesting information about the topical issue of body image. A number of aspects are addressed, including: eating disorders; female and male body perceptions; dieting; and ways to enhance the body, particularly through cosmetic surgery. These articles would be an ideal starting point for critical evaluation of images presented by the media. The inclusion of statistics about diets, health and weight levels provides a sound basis for students to explore the facts and fallacies related to body image. One of the many positive features of this resource is that it addresses specific body image issues related to males, an area that is often disregarded. Teachers would find this book useful in setting study tasks for students. K. Proctor.

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads;PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 962190
MARSDEN, John

Secret men's business: manhood, the big gig

Pan Macmillan, 1998

ISBN 0330360744 [305.31]

A range of practical, honest hints for getting on with being a person and an individual, this important information is clearly relevant, and of concern to both sexes. Topics extend beyond the usual puberty, sex, relationships and drugs advice (readily available through teenage girls' media), although these are covered in the same direct, responsible manner. Personal perceptions for successful relationships with parents, friends and self are explored. Popularity; confidence; personality; maturity myths; communication; risk taking; and planning for the future are also discussed. Offering no excuses for lack of respect in adults or young people, the ideas successfully fill a void with reassuring, realistic messages and detail for tomorrow's Australians. J. Hawkes

USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 936210

Social role of sport [videorecording]

/ edited by J. Dubie. United Nations Development Program, 1994 (19 min.)

ISBN none [306.4]

The positive impact of sport on young people’s lives is examined in this video, which specifically addresses the role of sport in improving social conditions in developing countries. It offers very realistic insight into the plight of youth in extremely poor areas of Brazil and Kenya, clearly illustrating the important role of sport in improving people’s lives. By providing a healthy outlet which fosters cooperation and teamwork, and offering avenues for success, sport has been a powerful tool in combating drug problems and in improving social conditions. Vivid images and a positive approach help to develop students’ understanding of social conditions in developing countries, as part of studies of cultures. The video could offer background support for the Sport and physical activity in Australian society option of the PDHPE: Stage 6 syllabus (approved 1999). K. Proctor

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: HSIE; PDHPE
SYLLABUS: PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 968445

More than friends: the coming out of Heidi Leiter [videorecording]

Turtleback, 1994 (30 min.) (Family issues)

ISBN none [306.76]

A high quality production with believable characters, this entertaining video addresses issues of youth and sexuality, specifically homophobia. This dramatisation is set in America, examining the lesbian relationship of two senior high school students. It effectively explores the many issues faced by young gays and lesbians. The difficulty of living an open homosexual relationship is realistically portrayed, and a positive message for the need for tolerance and acceptance is made apparent. The inclusion of a range of attitudes and reactions from friends, family and strangers is useful in illustrating the negative effects homophobic behaviours and comments can create. This video is straightforward in addressing this sensitive issue, and effectively challenges the audience to question society's and their own perceptions of homosexuality. It is an ideal video for stimulus for discussion about sexuality and homophobia. K. Proctor

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 956779

Youth and the law

/ edited by Kaye Healey. Spinney, 1998 (Issues in society 90)

ISBN 1875682996 [342.94]

Another volume in an indispensable series, this edition tackles youth and legal issues, suggesting the complexity of the debates through the juxtaposition of articles. For example, an article on the persecution of young people in community spaces lies alongside articles about soaring youth crime rates and the high incidence of vandalism and graffiti. This collection contains articles of direct relevance across a range of subjects, and represents the best of contemporary commentary on the issues, helpfully supported by statistical information. Lists of additional reading, and a guide to relevant organisations nationwide, are useful bonuses. J. Donovan

USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Community
KLA: HSIE; PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Community and Family Studies Stage 6;Legal Studies Stage 6
SCIS: 927892

Drug use and abuse

/ edited by Kaye Healey. Spinney, 1998 (Issues in society 94)

ISBN 187681103X [362.29]

Delivered in short articles, offering a variety of opinions supplemented with graphs and cartoons, and selected from current sources of information, this is another volume in this excellent series which provides senior students with a superb resource for research and essay writing. The narrow focus is on the illicit drugs: heroin; cannabis; and ecstasy. References to tobacco and alcohol are cursory at best. The prohibition versus partial legalisation debate is well canvassed. Other issues, such as the use of drugs in sport, are touched on more briefly. This volume should be used with others in the series on smoking, alcohol, and the drug debate. A. Gates

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 937767

Also available in this series:
Alcohol: SCIS 895647
The drug debate: SCIS 841557
Smoking: SCIS 914978

Mental illness

/ edited by Kaye Healey. Spinney, 1998 (Issues in society 102)

ISBN 1876811110 [362.2]

A collection of reports from government and non government agencies and the general media, this book identifies and discusses the impact of mental illness upon Australian society. Depression, schizophrenia and phobias are carefully discussed, lessening the stigmas and humanising those afflicted. The overall trends in relation to mental illness are explored, followed by discussion on the impact of mental illness on individuals. Finally, a general overview of strategies to maintain good mental health is supplied. As with all publications in this series, good use can be made of the recommended reading list for locating additional information, and some suggested web sites, which will require exploration to verify curriculum relevance. C. Maher

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 952571

Violence in the family

/ edited by Kaye Healey. Spinney, 1998 (Issues in society: v. 99)

ISBN 1876811080 [362.82]

A compilation of government and newspaper reports, magazine articles and surveys, Internet material, and literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations, this resource provides a useful starting point for exploration of issues of domestic violence. Sections include examination of the extent of domestic or family violence in Australia, its cause and effects and means of protection, prevention and rehabilitation. The information provided is a valuable resource for use in the area of critical literacy and developing positive personal relationships. Discussions arising from this material could help teenagers make connections between domestic violence and their own behaviour in relationships. G. Ackroyd

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: English; PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 952561
PALMER, Martin

Boys will be boys [videorecording]

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, 1996 (25 min.) [370.19]

Sexual harassment is a pervasive experience for many students, and a challenge for schools to address. This Canadian documentary is in two sections. The first defines sexual harassment and gathers information about attitudes and experiences in secondary schools. A group of girls discuss how language based harassment affects their schooling. The boys are interviewed and asked why they do it. The second stronger and more informative section on sex based harassment is an interview with three educationalists: a writer, a lecturer, and a teacher. This fifteen minute section would be an excellent discussion starter for school training and development sessions on sex-based harassment. K. Gardner

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 906775

Men’s health

/ edited by Justin Healey. Spinney, 1999 (Issues in society 111)

ISBN 187681120X [613]

Without claiming to be the definitive source of information on male related health issues, this book provides information drawn from a range of primary sources, including: government reports and statistics; newspaper reports; and literature produced by various lobby groups. The gender specific nature of many contemporary health related issues makes this a useful resource for analysing male health issues, and represents a helpful supplement to senior study in the PDHPE curriculum, where community health options and issues are considered. The use of primary sources offers classroom opportunities for critical examination of authors’ points of view and purposes. The provision of substantial reference lists, including Web sites, encourages further reading, although further exploration is required to verify their curriculum relevance. J. MacDonald

USER LEVEL: Stage 5Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads;PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 972529

Women’s health

/ edited by Justin Healey. Spinney, 1999 (Issues in society 112)

ISBN 1876811218 [613]

The latest release in this excellent resource series on contemporary Australian social issues provides current information and research on women’s health in Australia. A variety of sources (including government reports, newspaper articles and literature from lobby groups) allow fact, research and opinion to facilitate the critical examination of major health issues affecting women. A magazine style format organises material into easily readable topics. These include: discussing which women need a Pap test; exploding the PMT myth; sexually transmitted infections (STIs); and eating disorders. A glossary, a summary of the main focus points, and a list of contact organisations are additional useful features of this publication. M. Hadfield

USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads;PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 972530

The secret life of Mary-Margaret: portrait of a bulimic [videorecording]

TurtleBack, 1994 (30 min.) (Family issues)

ISBN none [616.85]

As told by the central character, the life experience of a bulimic teenager explores the issues and expectations which encourage girls, in particular, to develop eating disorders. This thought provoking video examines: the social and emotional impacts of society’s views about acceptable body image; and the unreal expectations which can be placed on some to maintain an ideal size and shape. The discussion of the cyclic binge/purge nature of bulimia, and the justifications which the individual readily accepts, are highly topical and relevant to all adolescents. It is through the eyes of Mary-Margaret that greater understanding is developed, further enhanced by the ‘true life’ basis for this docudrama. C. Maher

USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 956783

The game is up!: a story about Australian women in history, sport and physical activities 1896-1956. [videorecording]

National Film and Sound Archive, 1993 (37 min.)

ISBN none [796.082]

An historical perspective of women’s achievements in sport is presented in this inspiring and informative resource which comprises a video recording, activity sheet and book. The inclusion of news clippings and film footage effectively demonstrates the barriers for women in sport the early 1900s, clearly illustrates the changing roles of women in society, and positively shows their abilities. Extensive and varied sources of information provide a comprehensive picture of women and physical activity in Australian society, and of the feats of Australian sportswomen and the difficulties they faced, from 1896 to 1956. This valuable resource provides excellent information for students studying social perspectives of sport, and supports a variety of teaching strategies. It offers strong support when studying issues related to women in sport in: the Sport and physical activity in Australian society option of the PDHPE: Stage 6 syllabus (approved 1999); and the Stage 5 elective in PDHPE 7-10. K. Proctor

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 805197

CEIDA drug information kit [kit]

CEIDA 1997

ISBN none [362.29]

A collection of informative pamphlets, this resource has information about: legal and illegal drugs; situations where drugs are helpful and where they can cause harm; and statistics on drug activity. Parents, teachers and students may have seen earlier versions of many of these pamphlets (updated 1998 in the edition reviewed), but it is the strength of this resource that individual items are packaged in strong plastic sleeves, all in one folder. Topics include: Caffeine; Tobacco; Amphetamines; Cocaine; Minor tranquillisers; MDMA (ecstasy); Heroin; Cannabis; Alcohol; Methadone; Hallucinogens; and the sniffing of Volatile substances. The pamphlet format is valuable as teachers can choose the relevant resource and order the appropriate quantity for students, or use the authoritative material for lessons. The kit also contains an extensive list of support organisations and sources of further information. M. Bleakley

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 927391

Under the influence: drugs in Australia

Cardigan Street, 1995

ISBN 18163915435 [362.29]

Current health issues of drug use and drug abuse are examined in this well researched book. Gott focuses on topics such as illegal drug use, the legalisation of cannabis/marijuana debate, drugs in sport; and the costs to the community of socially accepted drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and prescription and non prescription medications. Statistical information provided would be useful to many teachers and students, particularly those studying the major causes of sickness and death, and the sociology of games and sport. Some of the statistics have dated, so more up to date figures would be required by students to support the information presented. Written in a user friendly way, with appropriate diagrams and a contact list for alcohol and drug services, this book is a valuable resource. G. Lundgren

USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 841728

World drug report

/ coordinated by United Nations International Drug Control Programme. Oxford University Press, 1997

ISBN 0198292996 [362.29]

A comprehensive review of recent world trends in illicit drug use is produced by this resource. It covers: the cultivation, production, trafficking, and consumption of illegal drugs; the health and social consequences; and various policies and programs for prevention. Each chapter concludes with a paper or a summary by a world leader in drug issues. These provide quality stimuluses for class discussion. The strength of this report is the identification of the relationship between drug abuse and other issues affecting societies. M. Bleakley

USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 918093

Connexions

CEIDA, 1980-

ISSN 01590286 [362.2905]

A wide variety of articles about drug and alcohol issues is provided by this outstanding journal. Up to date information on different drugs, particularly cannabis, ecstasy, tobacco, alcohol and opiates is highlighted in the 1998 issues reviewed. Health promotion campaigns and other important strategies being implemented, and the social and personal issues relating to drug use are included. The information in these journals provide valuable background reading for teachers and parents. They are also useful for Stage 6 PDHPE students. Regular sections included in each bimonthly edition encompass: a state by state summary of activities; innovations and matters relating to law enforcement; a library compiled by CEIDA staff; and a comprehensive list of conferences for professional development opportunities. This journal will greatly improve knowledge and understanding in a drug education context. C. Bannerman

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 953211

Dead drunk: the Kevin Tunnell story [videorecording]

Marcom Projects, 1996 (Family issues/Drugs & alcohol) (31min.)

ISBN 04676498 [363.12]

A court case retraces the events that led to the death of an innocent young motorist as a result of drink driving. This is a true story based on events experienced by an American teenager, and explores the issues attending the effects of drink driving. It also examines the role of others in preventing a drunk person from driving. The detrimental effects of drink driving are explored through Kevin's guilt, regret, remorse and major problems he experiences coping with life after the accident. He finds it difficult to carry out daily tasks, faces relationship problems, and finds himself regularly reflecting on the accident. The difficulties in forgiving himself, and constant reminders of the life he ended, are very real and hard hitting. This video would be suitable for use with students in the context of a unit of work on drink driving. E. Donovan

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads;PDHPE 7-10
SCIS: 916114

Smoking

/edited by Kaye Healey. Spinney, 1997 (Issues for the nineties 82)

ISBN 1875682910 [394.1]

A very useful starting point for up to date information and research into smoking and tobacco use, this is a comprehensive insight into: smoking; tobacco use in Australia; health costs; the nature of addiction; and quitting smoking. The articles are from reliable sources and include Internet sites, magazine articles, government reports and statistics, comments from lobby groups, and newspaper reports. This detailed resource aims to challenge attitudes in discussions about drug education issues. A thorough index assists information retrieval, and contacts for further information are provided. The series has since changed its title to Issues in society. T. Rudd.

USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: Crossroads; PDHPE 7-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 914978

Also available in this series:
Alcohol: SCIS 895647
The drug debate: SCIS 841557
Drug use and abuse: SCIS 937767

Somazone [computer software]

Cinemedia, 1997

ISBN none [613.0433]

Drugs in sport handbook

Australian Sports Drug Agency, 1997

ISBN 0642280576 [615]

Elite athletes and coaches would benefit from this pocket sized book, now in its third edition. It is a very detailed resource, easy to use and simply written. Sections included are Banned drugs in sport and Drug testing. Much of the book concerns Permitted medications which are: listed alphabetically by generic and brand names, including ingredients; and categorised according to specific ailments. Permitted vitamins and minerals are also listed. An appendix includes worldwide information services where the ingredients of medications can be checked, so that informed decisions can be made. Teachers of senior PDHPE will find this resource useful for its explanation of ergogenic aids and testing procedures. It could also complement the Stage 5 elective PDHPE courses. C. Bannerman

USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: PDHPE
SYLLABUS: PDHPE Elective 9-10; PDHPE Stage 6
SCIS: 939555