1. If our children are to become happy, healthy, responsible and productive people in our society, theyneed to develop relevant knowledge, skills and values. These ethics are embedded in our PDHPE curriculum

2. PDHPE in primary schools aims to develop the whole person. There are five essential skills that students develop from PDHPE: Communication Skills Decision Making Skills Interactive Skills Movement Skills Problem Solving Skills

3. Students begin to develop these imperative life skills; Decision making: Students develop the ability to make informed decisions in their lives. These decision are related to healthy personal and lifestyle choices which involves: making informed decisions; selecting and adopting safe practices; distinguishing between fact and opinion in health matters; accepting responsibility for decisions and resulting consequences; being able to use information gained to inform future decision making. Problem Solving: Schools can help students to take responsible action regarding their own lifestyle. They can support them in making informed decisions about factors that may hinder or promote the wellbeing of themselves and others. Communication: Students should develop a variety of skills for communicating: being able to express needs, wants, feelings, ideas and opinions; being able to listen attentively and respond appropriately; being able to use negotiation, conflict resolution, refusal and assertiveness skills effectively in a range of situations All of these skills play such an integral role in our lives from a child in early stage on to an adult on the workforce and to our Grandparents

4. . Interactive: Skills for relating positively to others and the environment include: working cooperatively as a group member; generating and abiding by rules for common benefit; developing and maintaining friendships; offering assistance and encouragement to others; accepting support and assistance. Movement: Physical activity habits developed in school years are often maintained in later life. Students need to understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle incorporating regular physical activity for health and fitness.

5. Individuals that lead a healthy lifestyle live in a way that allows them the greatest chance of achieving and maintaining mental, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing.

6. References NSW Board of Studies. (2007). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6syllabus. Sydney: Author.