Why should we teach PDHPE in schools

1. PDHPE in Primary Schools
Healthy eating and regular exercise are important in preventing conditions
such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers which
are becoming more prominent in the 21st century.
While healthy eating and regular exercise are important, the PDHPE
curriculum is unique as it directly supports the development of the whole
student. The syllabus encompasses students social, mental and spiritual
health as well as their physical health through developing students
knowledge and understanding as well as their skills and attitudes.

2. Objectives in PDHPE
The objectives of the PDHPE curriculum are to develop students skills
in the following areas:
• Problem solving
• Interacting
• Moving
• Communicating
• Decision making
These skills are essential
in leading happy, healthy
lives as children and also
as adults.

3. How do we achieve these objectives?
Students knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes are developed
through the 8 Strands within the PDHPE curriculum. Each of these strands
gives students the foundations for leading healthy, active and fulfilling lives.
Safe Living
Safety is a part of our everyday
lives, in this strand we look at:
• Personal Safety
• Home safety
• School and play safety
• Road and water safety
• And emergency procedures
Interpersonal Relationships
Communicating, cooperating and
maintaining positive relationships
are essential skills for life.
Relationships may be with:
• Peers
• Teachers
• Family members
• Groups

4. Growth and Development
In this strand we look at our personal identity including our
body, sexuality, changes and values. These topics are essential to students
maintaining healthy emotional wellbeing and a positive self esteem.
Games and Sport
Students learn to
communicate, compromise, solve
problems and learn new skills
through playing games. These can
include:
• Warm Up Games
• Athletics and aquatics
• Court games, invasion games and
striking games.

5. Gymnastics and Dance
These strands teach students body movement control while
developing locomotor and non-locomotor skills.
Active Lifestyle
Students learn essential life skills
including:
• Ways to stay active
• Components of an active lifestyle
• and the effects of physical activities.
Personal Health Choices
This strand teaches us about making
the correct decisions around:
• Nutrition
• Drug use
• Health services and products
• Preventative measures
Making the right decisions from a
young age can influence the rest of
our lives.

6. PDHPE looks at the entire student