SmarterEd

Aussie Maths & Science Teachers: Save your time with SmarterEd

HMS, HAG NSE-Bank 28

Refer to the information below as well as your own knowledge to answer the question.

City X is an urban area with a large number of young people, aged 10–24. The infographic provides information about City X.

To what extent could the application of Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education assist in improving the health status of young people in City X?   (12 marks)

Show Answers Only

Judgment Statement

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can significantly improve the health, wellbeing and opportunities of young people in City X by increasing access to education, employment and health knowledge, although improvements depend on greater participation in tertiary education and positive health behaviours.

Educational and Employment Impact

  • The infographic shows that City X has high academic results in secondary school which are not reflected in participation in tertiary education.
  • SDG 4 supports young people to have equal access to all levels of education, which is particularly important given City X has a high migrant population, some of whom may speak languages other than English at home.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education and relevant workplace training can improve employment opportunities and income.
  • Increased and stable incomes can support healthy eating and physical activity, increase the ability to access and afford healthcare services, and reduce stress.
  • Therefore, increased educational attainment can lead to positive health and welfare outcomes and support the fulfilment of SDG targets.

Health Literacy and Disease Prevention

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can also improve health outcomes by increasing health literacy and knowledge.
  • Greater education can improve understanding of the importance of immunisation and vaccination programs.
  • This can reduce the risks, health issues and mortality rates associated with communicable diseases.
  • Education can also increase a person’s ability to effectively use health information and increase the likelihood of engaging in positive health behaviours.

Physical Activity and Recreational Behaviour

  • The data reflects low participation in recreational activity, which can be addressed through SDG 3’s promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention of premature mortality.
  • Greater participation in tertiary education can lead to greater employment opportunities and income, providing young people with the education and resources to choose a healthy diet and engage in physical activity through initiatives such as community sport.
  • This can reduce the risk of health issues and mortality associated with obesity.
  • The data also reflects a high proportion of unsafe recreational activity. SDG 3 supports safer recreational activities by preventing substance abuse and smoking, while SDG 4 can improve education and employment opportunities.
  • Together, these can reduce individual and family stress and reliance on harmful drugs and unsafe recreational activities.

Reaffirmation

  • Therefore, SDG 3 and SDG 4 can improve the health and wellbeing of young people in City X to a significant extent.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education can improve employment, income, health literacy and access to healthcare while encouraging healthier behaviours and safer recreational activities.
  • The connection between SDG 3 and SDG 4 demonstrates that improved educational opportunities can contribute substantially to better health and wellbeing outcomes.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can significantly improve the health, wellbeing and opportunities of young people in City X by increasing access to education, employment and health knowledge, although improvements depend on greater participation in tertiary education and positive health behaviours.

Educational and Employment Impact

  • The infographic shows that City X has high academic results in secondary school which are not reflected in participation in tertiary education.
  • SDG 4 supports young people to have equal access to all levels of education, which is particularly important given City X has a high migrant population, some of whom may speak languages other than English at home.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education and relevant workplace training can improve employment opportunities and income.
  • Increased and stable incomes can support healthy eating and physical activity, increase the ability to access and afford healthcare services, and reduce stress.
  • Therefore, increased educational attainment can lead to positive health and welfare outcomes and support the fulfilment of SDG targets.

Health Literacy and Disease Prevention

  • SDG 3 and SDG 4 can also improve health outcomes by increasing health literacy and knowledge.
  • Greater education can improve understanding of the importance of immunisation and vaccination programs.
  • This can reduce the risks, health issues and mortality rates associated with communicable diseases.
  • Education can also increase a person’s ability to effectively use health information and increase the likelihood of engaging in positive health behaviours.

Physical Activity and Recreational Behaviour

  • The data reflects low participation in recreational activity, which can be addressed through SDG 3’s promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention of premature mortality.
  • Greater participation in tertiary education can lead to greater employment opportunities and income, providing young people with the education and resources to choose a healthy diet and engage in physical activity through initiatives such as community sport.
  • This can reduce the risk of health issues and mortality associated with obesity.
  • The data also reflects a high proportion of unsafe recreational activity. SDG 3 supports safer recreational activities by preventing substance abuse and smoking, while SDG 4 can improve education and employment opportunities.
  • Together, these can reduce individual and family stress and reliance on harmful drugs and unsafe recreational activities.

Reaffirmation

  • Therefore, SDG 3 and SDG 4 can improve the health and wellbeing of young people in City X to a significant extent.
  • Increasing participation in tertiary education can improve employment, income, health literacy and access to healthcare while encouraging healthier behaviours and safer recreational activities.
  • The connection between SDG 3 and SDG 4 demonstrates that improved educational opportunities can contribute substantially to better health and wellbeing outcomes.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 021

Describe TWO strategies a local council could implement to promote SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) for improving youth mental health, including indicators of success.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only

Strategy 1: Create youth-specific public spaces

  • Councils should build infrastructure such as skate parks, basketball courts and quiet zones with free Wi-Fi.
  • These spaces provide safe, accessible environments for social connection, physical activity and stress relief.
  • Success can be measured through electronic usage data, reduced vandalism rates in surrounding areas, youth satisfaction surveys and increased physical activity levels among local young people.

Strategy 2: Develop connected walking and cycling paths

  • These types of initiatives should prioritise linking schools, youth centres and residential areas and have adequate lighting and safety features.
  • This promotes active transport, reduces isolation and creates opportunities for incidental social interactions.
  • Success indicators could include hard data on increased pedestrian/cyclist counts or mental health presentations to emergency departments of young people.
  • Surveys could also be used as evidence of success by showing improved perceptions of neighbourhood safety.
Show Worked Solution

Strategy 1: Create youth-specific public spaces

  • Councils should build infrastructure such as skate parks, basketball courts and quiet zones with free Wi-Fi.
  • These spaces provide safe, accessible environments for social connection, physical activity and stress relief.
  • Success can be measured through electronic usage data, reduced vandalism rates in surrounding areas, youth satisfaction surveys and increased physical activity levels among local young people.

Strategy 2: Develop connected walking and cycling paths

  • These types of initiatives should prioritise linking schools, youth centres and residential areas and have adequate lighting and safety features.
  • This promotes active transport, reduces isolation and creates opportunities for incidental social interactions.
  • Success indicators could include hard data on increased pedestrian/cyclist counts or mental health presentations to emergency departments of young people.
  • Surveys could also be used as evidence of success by showing improved perceptions of neighbourhood safety.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 014

Discuss two challenges faced by Australian communities in achieving equitable health outcomes in an urban environment and the strategies that could address these disparities.   (6 marks)

Show Answers Only

Challenge 1: Socioeconomic disparities

  • [P] Low-income urban residents face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
  • [E] This occurs because private healthcare costs too much for disadvantaged populations while public services experience long wait times.
  • [Ev] Western Sydney residents have lower median incomes and poorer health outcomes than affluent eastern suburbs.
  • [L] This demonstrates how income inequality directly impacts health equity in cities.

Strategy: Implement community health hubs in disadvantaged areas

  • [P] Establishing integrated health centres addresses multiple barriers simultaneously.
  • [E] These hubs combine medical services, mental health support and preventive programs in accessible locations.
  • [Ev] Illawarra’s Healthy Cities initiatives show multi-service approaches improve engagement.
  • [L] This holistic strategy reduces health disparities.

Challenge 2: Cultural barriers limiting healthcare access

  • [P] Culturally diverse urban populations often underutilise mainstream health services.
  • [E] Language barriers and cultural misunderstandings prevent effective healthcare delivery.
  • [Ev] ATSI Peoples report lower satisfaction with healthcare despite availability.
  • [L] Cultural competency gaps create inequitable health outcomes.

Strategy: Develop culturally responsive healthcare services

  • [P] Training healthcare workers in cultural competency improves service delivery.
  • [E] This ensures providers understand diverse health beliefs and communication styles.
  • [Ev] Employing bilingual health workers and interpreters increases service utilisation.
  • [L] In this way, culturally appropriate care reduces barriers and improves health equity.
Show Worked Solution

Challenge 1: Socioeconomic disparities

  • [P] Low-income urban residents face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
  • [E] This occurs because private healthcare costs too much for disadvantaged populations while public services experience long wait times.
  • [Ev] Western Sydney residents have lower median incomes and poorer health outcomes than affluent eastern suburbs.
  • [L] This demonstrates how income inequality directly impacts health equity in cities.

Strategy: Implement community health hubs in disadvantaged areas

  • [P] Establishing integrated health centres addresses multiple barriers simultaneously.
  • [E] These hubs combine medical services, mental health support and preventive programs in accessible locations.
  • [Ev] Illawarra’s Healthy Cities initiatives show multi-service approaches improve engagement.
  • [L] This holistic strategy reduces health disparities.

Challenge 2: Cultural barriers limiting healthcare access

  • [P] Culturally diverse urban populations often underutilise mainstream health services.
  • [E] Language barriers and cultural misunderstandings prevent effective healthcare delivery.
  • [Ev] ATSI Peoples report lower satisfaction with healthcare despite availability.
  • [L] Cultural competency gaps create inequitable health outcomes.

Strategy: Develop culturally responsive healthcare services

  • [P] Training healthcare workers in cultural competency improves service delivery.
  • [E] This ensures providers understand diverse health beliefs and communication styles.
  • [Ev] Employing bilingual health workers and interpreters increases service utilisation.
  • [L] In this way, culturally appropriate care reduces barriers and improves health equity.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 012

Explain how two lessons from Healthy Cities Illawarra's community health initiatives could be adapted to improve health outcomes in your local community. Provide specific examples of implementation.    (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

Answers could include two of the following:

Lesson – Use holistic approach

  • Integrating multiple SDGs produces synergistic health improvements. This happens when programs simultaneously address health, education, equity and sustainability.
  • For example, Safe Routes to School combines physical activity (SDG 3), road safety education (SDG 4), equal access (SDG 10) and sustainable transport (SDG 11).
  • Therefore, one initiative achieves multiple community benefits efficiently.

Lesson – Target specific age groups

  • Targeting specific age groups with tailored programs creates more effective health interventions. This works by addressing the unique developmental needs of different populations.
  • For instance, when my local community implements an “Active In-betweens” style program for 8-12 year olds, it could focus on “after school” junior sports clubs. By tailoring physical activity to a targeted group of children, they are more inclined to willingly participate during their crucial developmental years.
  • The reason for this is that age-specific programs engage participants more effectively than generic approaches. Consequently, children develop healthy habits early and achieve better long-term health outcomes.

 Lesson – Build collaborative partnerships

  • Building collaborative partnerships enables comprehensive health solutions. This occurs because multiple organisations bring different resources and expertise.
  • There is a direct link between multi-sector collaboration and sustainable program delivery. As a result, initiatives receive broader community support and funding.
  • More specifically, my community could unite schools, local health services and sporting clubs. This process ensures programs address health holistically and benefit from broad community awareness.
Show Worked Solution

Answers could include two of the following:

Lesson – Use holistic approach

  • Integrating multiple SDGs produces synergistic health improvements. This happens when programs simultaneously address health, education, equity and sustainability.
  • For example, Safe Routes to School combines physical activity (SDG 3), road safety education (SDG 4), equal access (SDG 10) and sustainable transport (SDG 11).
  • Therefore, one initiative achieves multiple community benefits efficiently.

Lesson – Target specific age groups

  • Targeting specific age groups with tailored programs creates more effective health interventions. This works by addressing the unique developmental needs of different populations.
  • For instance, when my local community implements an “Active In-betweens” style program for 8-12 year olds, it could focus on “after school” junior sports clubs. By tailoring physical activity to a targeted group of children, they are more inclined to willingly participate during their crucial developmental years.
  • The reason for this is that age-specific programs engage participants more effectively than generic approaches. Consequently, children develop healthy habits early and achieve better long-term health outcomes.

 Lesson – Build collaborative partnerships

  • Building collaborative partnerships enables comprehensive health solutions. This occurs because multiple organisations bring different resources and expertise.
  • There is a direct link between multi-sector collaboration and sustainable program delivery. As a result, initiatives receive broader community support and funding.
  • More specifically, my community could unite schools, local health services and sporting clubs. This process ensures programs address health holistically and benefit from broad community awareness.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 011

Describe how a community initiative can provide a holistic approach incorporating three Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) to improve health outcomes.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • The ‘Safe and Active Routes to School’ program addresses SDGs 3, 10 and 11 by creating protected walking and cycling paths to schools.
  • This infrastructure promotes children’s physical activity (SDG 3) while ensuring equal access to safe transport regardless of socioeconomic status (SDG 10).
  • These routes connect to broader community cycling networks, enabling families to adopt active transport for daily activities. This reduces car dependence, lowering emissions and creating more sustainable urban environments (SDG 11).
  • Drug Action Teams complement this by delivering school-based workshops that help students manage stress and avoid risky substance use (SDG 3). They also target culturally diverse communities, reducing health inequalities (SDG 10).
  • The interconnection occurs through a shared Healthy Cities approach, where councils, schools and health services work together. Both initiatives address the underlying causes of poor health rather than treating illness (SDG 3, 10).
  • Together, these initiatives holistically create environments where healthy choices become easier, prevention education reaches young people early, and all residents can participate equally in community life (SDG 3, 10, 11).
Show Worked Solution
  • The ‘Safe and Active Routes to School’ program addresses SDGs 3, 10 and 11 by creating protected walking and cycling paths to schools.
  • This infrastructure promotes children’s physical activity (SDG 3) while ensuring equal access to safe transport regardless of socioeconomic status (SDG 10).
  • These routes connect to broader community cycling networks, enabling families to adopt active transport for daily activities. This reduces car dependence, lowering emissions and creating more sustainable urban environments (SDG 11).
  • Drug Action Teams complement this by delivering school-based workshops that help students manage stress and avoid risky substance use (SDG 3). They also target culturally diverse communities, reducing health inequalities (SDG 10).
  • The interconnection occurs through a shared Healthy Cities approach, where councils, schools and health services work together. Both initiatives address the underlying causes of poor health rather than treating illness (SDG 3, 10).
  • Together, these initiatives holistically create environments where healthy choices become easier, prevention education reaches young people early, and all residents can participate equally in community life (SDG 3, 10, 11).

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 008

Describe a mentorship program that connects local professionals with students at risk of leaving school early. Explain how this approach addresses SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) in communities facing educational disadvantage.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • Mentorship programs create regular one-on-one connections between at-risk students and working professionals. This occurs because students receive personalised support and see real-world applications of education. As a result, they develop stronger motivation to continue their schooling.
  • This process ensures students gain both academic guidance and career insights. The reason for this is that mentors share their educational journeys and workplace experiences. Consequently, students understand how education connects to future opportunities.
  • Regular mentor meetings generate improved mental wellbeing among participants. This happens when students build trusting relationships with supportive adults outside their usual circles. Therefore, anxiety about the future decreases while self-confidence grows.
  • This shows a clear connection between educational support (SDG 4) and health outcomes (SDG 3). More specifically, students who feel supported academically experience less stress and depression. This demonstrates why addressing educational disadvantage simultaneously improves psychological health.
  • The underlying reason is that education and wellbeing are interconnected. Hence, programs targeting school completion naturally support both SDG 4 and SDG 3.
Show Worked Solution
  • Mentorship programs create regular one-on-one connections between at-risk students and working professionals. This occurs because students receive personalised support and see real-world applications of education. As a result, they develop stronger motivation to continue their schooling.
  • This process ensures students gain both academic guidance and career insights. The reason for this is that mentors share their educational journeys and workplace experiences. Consequently, students understand how education connects to future opportunities.
  • Regular mentor meetings generate improved mental wellbeing among participants. This happens when students build trusting relationships with supportive adults outside their usual circles. Therefore, anxiety about the future decreases while self-confidence grows.
  • This shows a clear connection between educational support (SDG 4) and health outcomes (SDG 3). More specifically, students who feel supported academically experience less stress and depression. This demonstrates why addressing educational disadvantage simultaneously improves psychological health.
  • The underlying reason is that education and wellbeing are interconnected. Hence, programs targeting school completion naturally support both SDG 4 and SDG 3.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 007

Describe how expanding telehealth services addresses both SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) in remote Australian areas.   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • Telehealth services enable remote residents to access specialist consultations and follow-up care without lengthy travel (SDG 3).
  • This occurs because digital technology connects patients with healthcare providers across vast distances (SDG 3).
  • As a result, chronic conditions are better managed and preventable hospitalisations decrease (SDG 3).
  • This creates more sustainable communities by allowing people to remain in rural areas while receiving quality healthcare (SDG 11).
  • Consequently, rural populations become more viable and resilient (SDG 11). 
Show Worked Solution
  • Telehealth services enable remote residents to access specialist consultations and follow-up care without lengthy travel (SDG 3).
  • This occurs because digital technology connects patients with healthcare providers across vast distances (SDG 3).
  • As a result, chronic conditions are better managed and preventable hospitalisations decrease (SDG 3).
  • This creates more sustainable communities by allowing people to remain in rural areas while receiving quality healthcare (SDG 11).
  • Consequently, rural populations become more viable and resilient (SDG 11). 

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 015 MC

Why is telehealth infrastructure considered an effective strategy for Western NSW communities?

  1. It trains local doctors to stay in rural areas
  2. It ensures all residents complete Year 12
  3. It reduces long travel distances to access healthcare
  4. It replaces the need for Aboriginal Medical Services
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct. Telehealth reduces long travel distances by allowing residents in rural areas to access healthcare consultations and follow-up care online.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect – Rural training programs are a separate strategy to encourage doctors to remain in rural areas, not a function of telehealth.
  • B is incorrect – Completing Year 12 is linked to education initiatives, not healthcare access through telehealth.
  • D is incorrect – Telehealth complements existing Aboriginal Medical Services rather than replacing them, as culturally appropriate care is still essential.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 012 MC

A rural community implements free driving lessons for Aboriginal youth. This initiative would most directly support which SDG outcomes?

  1. SDG 4 by reducing inequities in imprisonment, and SDG 10 by building job-ready skills
  2. SDG 4 by building job-ready skills, and SDG 10 by reducing inequities in imprisonment
  3. SDG 4 by building job-ready skills, and SDG 11 by reducing inequities in imprisonment
  4. SDG 3 by building job-ready skills, and SDG 10 by reducing inequities in imprisonment
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. Driving lessons build practical, job-ready skills that support employment (SDG 4). Helping young people get licensed legally also reduces the over-representation of Aboriginal youth in the justice system for driving offences, which addresses unequal outcomes (SDG 10).

Other options:

  • A is incorrect – The SDGs are reversed. Building skills belongs to SDG 4, and reducing inequities in imprisonment belongs to SDG 10.
  • C is incorrect – Reducing inequities in imprisonment is a reduced inequalities outcome (SDG 10), not a sustainable cities outcome (SDG 11).
  • D is incorrect – Building job-ready skills is an education outcome (SDG 4), not a health outcome (SDG 3).

HMS, HAG 2023 HSC 26

Explain how ONE government health promotion initiative addresses social justice by reorienting health services. Provide examples to support your answer.   (8 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • The National Immunisation Program demonstrates how government initiatives reorient health services toward prevention while addressing social justice principles. This program works by providing free vaccines to eligible Australians which shifts focus from hospital-centred treatment to community-based prevention approaches.
  • Service reorientation occurs because the NIP establishes multiple community access points including schools, Aboriginal health services, and local GP clinics. This approach creates greater accessibility by bringing prevention services directly to communities rather than requiring hospital visits. The Australian Immunisation Register enables integrated federal tracking which allows healthcare providers across all jurisdictions to access patient histories seamlessly.
  • Social justice principles are addressed through equity-focused strategies that ensure equal access regardless of socioeconomic status. Free HPV vaccines demonstrate this approach because all Australian adolescents receive protection nationwide without financial barriers. Tailored strategies work by providing culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities alongside multilingual resources.
  • These reorientation efforts result in measurable health equity improvements. Childhood immunisation rates have increased substantially nationwide because prevention services became more accessible. Most significantly, the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous immunisation rates has narrowed markedly, demonstrating how service reorientation can effectively address historical health inequities through systematic prevention-focused approaches.
Show Worked Solution
  • The National Immunisation Program demonstrates how government initiatives reorient health services toward prevention while addressing social justice principles. This program works by providing free vaccines to eligible Australians which shifts focus from hospital-centred treatment to community-based prevention approaches.
  • Service reorientation occurs because the NIP establishes multiple community access points including schools, Aboriginal health services, and local GP clinics. This approach creates greater accessibility by bringing prevention services directly to communities rather than requiring hospital visits. The Australian Immunisation Register enables integrated federal tracking which allows healthcare providers across all jurisdictions to access patient histories seamlessly.
  • Social justice principles are addressed through equity-focused strategies that ensure equal access regardless of socioeconomic status. Free HPV vaccines demonstrate this approach because all Australian adolescents receive protection nationwide without financial barriers. Tailored strategies work by providing culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities alongside multilingual resources.
  • These reorientation efforts result in measurable health equity improvements. Childhood immunisation rates have increased substantially nationwide because prevention services became more accessible. Most significantly, the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous immunisation rates has narrowed markedly, demonstrating how service reorientation can effectively address historical health inequities through systematic prevention-focused approaches.

♦♦♦ Mean mark 33%.