PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) is an important subject area in primary schools that aims to develop students' knowledge, skills, values and attitudes for leading healthy, active lives. The PDHPE syllabus covers topics like active lifestyles, dance, gymnastics, growth and development, games and sports, interpersonal relationships, personal health choices and safe living. It helps students develop communication, decision-making, interaction, movement and problem-solving skills, as well as values like self-worth, respect for others, sense of belonging, responsibility, participation in physical activity, and commitment to reaching their full potential.

1. Rationale For Teaching PDHPE In
Primary Schools
PDHPE is an important key learning area within the
primary curriculum as it:
• encourages an understanding and valuing of self
and others
• promotes physical activity
• emphasises informed decision making leading to
effective and responsible action

2. The Aim Of The PDHPE
The aim of the PDHPE syllabus is to develop in each
student the knowledge and understanding, skills
and values and attitudes needed to lead healthy,
active and fulfilling lives.

3. The Subject Areas Covered In PDHPE
• Active Lifestyle
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Growth and Development
• Games and Sports
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Personal Health Choices
• Safe Living

4. The Skills Developed In PDHPE
• Communicating
• Decision Making
• Interacting
• Moving
• Problem Solving

5. The Values And Attitudes Developed In
PDHPE
• V1 refers to a sense of their own worth and dignity;
• V2 respects the right of others to hold different
values and attitudes from their own;
• V3 enjoys a sense of belonging;
• V4 increasingly accepts responsibility for personal
and community health;
• V5 willingly participates in regular physical activity;
and
• V6 commits to realising their full potential.