The document argues that PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) in primary schools is essential and should not be sidelined to focus on other subjects. It states that PDHPE supports student development in social, mental, physical and spiritual health as well as benefiting other learning areas. The PDHPE curriculum focuses on developing students' physical, emotional, social and mental skills so they can make responsible health decisions as teenagers and adults.

2. Its all in the name
Personal
Development
Health
Physical
Education

3. PDHPE in Primary Schools
– Why its essential
Occasionally the teaching of PDHPE in Primary Schools is sidelined so that
teachers can focus on developing the students literacy and numeracy skills.
However my argument is, that the implementation of PDHPE education will
support and complement all other key learning areas, such as Mathematics
and English.
PDHPE focuses on the overall student development, and its syllabus is based
on the “broad notion that health encompasses all aspects of an individuals
wellbeing, inclusive of social, mental, physical and spiritual health”(PDHPE K-
6 Syllabus)
This means that through the correct teaching of PDHPE in our Primary
Schools, students will become equipped with the skills necessary to support
their physical, emotional, social and mental development. This also has the
potential to benefit the students in other learning areas.

4. How will the students
benefit?
Health and well–being is a vital part of our education system
and forms the foundation of the PDHPE curriculum in Primary
schools.
One of the key concepts of the PDHPE syllabus is the idea that
if students have a sound understanding of a range of health
and well-being related issues including their advantages and
disadvantages, they will be able to make more responsible
decisions in their teenage and adult life.
In essence the syllabus aims at encouraging students to
recognise and identify healthy living practices necessary for a
productive and flourishing existence.

5. Continued…
According to the PDHPE syllabus, students will:
Develop physical, social, cognitive and emotional growth and
development patterns
Develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships
Learn about the factors influencing personal health choices
Learn about living in a safe and secure environment
Learn the fundamental movement patterns and coordinated
actions of the body
Develop skills that enable action for better health and movement
outcomes

6. Conclusion
The teaching of PDHPE in our Primary Schools is a vital
approach in the overall development of the students.
The curriculum encompasses a wide variety of health
and well-being related concepts, necessary for the
maturity and growth al k-6 students
The PDHPE syllabus will complement other key leaning
areas as it aims at creating open minded and unbiased
students.

7. References
Personal development, health and physical
education k-6 syllabus, Board of Studies