2. What is PDHPE?
PDHPE stands for Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education
This is a compulsory subject taught in schools. Teachers
follow the K-6 Syllabus, which involves supporting the
development of your child by looking at them as whole
person.
The aim of the syllabus is for children to develop
skills, knowledge and understanding in order to lead a
healthy, active and fulfilling life (Board of Studies
NSW, 2007).
3. Why is PDHPE important?
Let’s look at the statistics:
One in 10 children engaged in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day
The average amount of time spent in sedentary screen based activities was over two and a
quarter hours (136 minutes) per day
Overweight and obesity in children aged 5-12 years has increased between 1995-2008
(20.9% to 24.7%) and has increased from 2008-2012 (25.7%).
(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013)
Australian Guidelines for Physical Activity state:
Children should experience at least 60 minutes of exercise daily
A maximum of 2 hours should be spent engaged in electronics and media such as television,
Ipads and video games.
(Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2007)
This means that children are not meeting the Guidelines, which is a cause for concern.
4. What are the benefits of Physical
Activity?
Promotes a healthy weight in children
Promotes positive changes in emotional wellbeing e.g.
developing confidence and positive self esteem
Academic performance increase as children become
more motivated and organised within the classroom
Develops healthy bones and the skeletal system
Reduces diseases such as obesity and diabetes
(Department of Sport and Recreation, 2010; Carter &
Micheli, 2012)
5. What else do children learn?
Children have the opportunity to discover themselves by looking at
their personal, social and emotional development.
For example, they learn about:
Their characteristics and uniqueness
Growth and change in themselves and others
Developing and maintaining friendships/relationships with others
Awareness of safe and unsafe living practices and/or situations
(Board of Studies NSW, 2007)
These are important components that children learn about in order to
make informed choices and decisions in later life.
6. For more information:
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013). Australia Health Survey: Physical Activity, 2011-
2012. Retrieved on 1st May 2014 from
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4364.0.55.004Chapter3002011-12
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2007). Australian Physical
Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. Retrieved on 1st May 2014 from
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-
strateg-phys-act-guidelines
Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal development, health and physical education
K-6 syllabus. Sydney, Australia: Author.
Carter, C.W & Micheli, L.J (2012). Beyond Weight Control: The Benefits of Physical
Activity for Children, Pediatric Annals, 41 (12), pp.493-495.
Department of Sport and Recreation (2010). Benefits of Physical Activity for Your
Children. Retrieved on 1st May 2014 from
http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au//assets/files/Parents/APEK%20Sheet%201.pdf
