PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) is an important subject in primary schools that teaches children skills for life. It incorporates both theory and practice related to healthy and active wellbeing. Statistics show that over 60% of the global population is physically inactive, putting them at risk for health issues, and 2 million deaths worldwide are due to inactivity. PDHPE allows children to develop knowledge to make healthy decisions, encourages diversity and inclusion, and teaches social, emotional, physical, and identity development skills through fun physical activity programs. Active involvement from parents and the community can help children adopt positive attitudes toward health and wellbeing.

1. PDHPE Rationale
The importance of PDHPE in
Primary Schools
Miss Farah Safi 4S

2. What is
PDHPE?
PDHPE incorporates
theory and prac
concerning healthy and
active wellbeing.
PDHPE concerns all of
us; Children, Carers,
Families and the
community.
PDHPE is not limited to
Physical education. It
also covers health and
personal development,
teaching children key
tools for life such as
tolerance.

3. WHO Statistics (2006)
An approximation of
at least 60 % of the
Global population
does not achieve the
minimum
recommendation of
30 minutes daily
physical activity.
Low levels of
Physical activity are
a major risk factor
for ill health and
morality for all
factors.
Alarmingly 2 million
deaths world wide are
due to physical inactivity.
Found that child obesity
is of particular concern
due to a worldwide
epidemic estimating 22
million children under
the age of 5 are already
over weight.

4. Why is PDHPE important?
• PDHPE allows for children
to develop knowledge and
understanding, skills, values
and attitudes that will
support children in leading
healthy and fulfilling lives.
• PDHPE enables children to
make informed decisions
related to health and
physical activity and
develop positive attitudes
towards a healthy lifestyle.
• PDHPE encourages diversity
and the inclusion of all
children.

5. Elements within PDHPE incorporates:
Social skills (friendship and
teamwork), Emotional skills (cognitive
skills), Physical skills
(development of fine and gross motor
skills), and Self Identity (sense of
becoming, being and belonging).
PDHPE programs are a fun way for
staying active and healthy.
Being physically active improves mental and
musculoskeletal health and reduces other
risk factors such as overweight, high blood
pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Did you know?

6. Active involvement and
interest from the
community and parents in
PDHPE could encourage a
positive outlook on
Personal Development,
Health and Physical
Education.
Understanding the social norms
of today’s children and creating
positive alternatives to promote
PDHPE.
Building environments to support
and facilitate the healthy growth
and development of children.
Creating awareness
and being mindful
about the
importance of
PDHPE by promoting
healthy eating and
active lifestyle both
in school and at
home.