RATIONALE
by Yousra Mezher
Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education is an important and
unique key learning area within the NSW
primary curriculum. It provides students
the necessary
understanding, knowledge, skills, positive
attitudes and values to maintain a well-
balanced and healthy lifestyle;
incorporating mental, social, physical and
spiritual well-being.

SKILLS
PDHPE focuses on the development and
implementation of five main skills:
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Interacting
• Moving
• Problem-solving

PDHPE – concentrates on 8 Key
Strands that students learn:
 Interpersonal relationships – understanding nature of
relationships.
 Growth & Development – physical, cognitive, social
and emotional changes.
 Games & Sport – competency& confidence in
fundamental movement skills.
 Gymnastics – Composition and movement.
 Dance – developing awareness & expression through
movement.
 Active Lifestyle – Effects of physical activities.
 Personal Health Choices – Lifestyle decisions ,Nutrition
 Safe Living - Safe environments and practices.

PDHPE – Why it is
important?
o Promotes academic learning and an understanding and
valuing of self and others.
o Develops communication, teamwork, resilience, decision-
making, problem-solving & cooperation skills.
o Promotes and develops an awareness of informed choices
- healthy and active lifestyle
o Provides students with tools to express themselves about
sensitive issues in a safe environment.
o Supports the growth of the student as a whole person and
enables them to be productive citizens.

Reference
Board of Studies NSW
(2007), Syllabus: Personal
Development, Health and
Physical Education K-6, pp.
6-11