Personal Development,
Health
and Physical Education
~
Why is this subject important in
Primary Schools?

PDHPE is as important as any of the
Key Learning Areas in the primary curriculum.
This subject focuses on developing students as
quality people within the community,
promoting life skills, values and attitudes that
will enable them to lead healthy and fulfilling
lives.

This subject is vital in students’ learning because it:
 Encourages an understanding and valuing of self and others
- Forming positive attitudes toward themselves and others
- Promoting effective communication skills
- Maintaining positive relationships
 Promotes physical activity
- Recommending 60 minutes of physical activity every day
- Benefits of physical activity: improves cardiovascular efficiency
and reduces risk factors of coronary heart disease, enhances
bone development, controls obesity, and improves psychological
health and immune status, and improves overall quality of life
 Emphasises informed decision making leading to effective
and responsible action
- Preparing students to take responsible action for various real-
life situations
- Informing the consequences of bad decisions

Why PDH?
Personal Development and Health provides students with the essential
knowledge to carry with them into life, such as knowledge of personal
safety and the safety of others, respect for others’ values and opinions,
well-being, relationships, the body, and personal health choices.
By including other KLAs into the lessons, students are not only learning
about PDHPE, but also developing skills such as literacy and numeracy.

Why PE?
Physical Education does not simply teach students about sports, dance
or gymnastics, but it is the essential movement skills that are needed
in life that are focused on, as well as the benefits of an active lifestyle.
By following Game Sense and Teaching Games for Understanding
pedagogies, students will learn their skills as well as enjoy their lesson.
Most importantly, PE is FUN because students get to go outside to
PLAY!

Remember, PDHPE promotes
SAFE, HEALTHY
and ACTIVE
lifestyles for all!

 Information derived from the PDHPE K-6 Syllabus:
Board of Studies NSW. (2007). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus.
Sydney: Board of Studies.