PDHPE teaches students about health and the benefits of physical activity. It helps students grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. PDHPE contributes to the development of fundamental movement skills, positive interpersonal relationships, and informed decision making. It encourages students to adopt an active lifestyle and develop healthy habits.

1. PDHPE Rationale
There is increased importance placed on health and the
benefits of physical activity. PDHPE helps students
grow and contributes to the development of physical,
social, affective and cognitive abilities. (Board of
Studies NSW, 2007).

2. Importance of PDHPE Within The
Primary Curriculum
Promotes
physical
activity
Helps develop and
maintain positive
interpersonal
relationships
Encourages
understanding
of valuing self
and others
Promotes
physical, social,
cognitive and
emotional growth
Emphasises
informed decision
making, leading to
effective &
responsible action
Guides and
influences
personal health
choices
Helps children
recognise safe
secure
environments
Promotes
development of
fundamental
movements and
actions
Develops skills that
promote better
health and
movement
outcomes
Helps students
adopt an active
lifestyle
(Board of Studies NSW, 2007)

3. Physical Benefits
- PDHPE educates children about health and
the benefits of physical activity (Board of
Studies, 2007).
- Teaching physical education in schools is a
great way to tackle the issue of adult physical
inactivity in adults (Bailey et al., 2009).
- Creates healthy habits within children.
- It assists students in acquiring and
developing movement skills which are
important for engagement in life long
physical activity (Bailey et al., 2009).

4. Social Benefits
- Outdoor education is a means of personal
and social development.
- Lessons require communication, team
work and collaboration with others. This
teaches children social skills.
- Promotes tasks that involve using
alternative methods of instruction.
- Students can form a sense of identity by
being a part of a team, this can help
promote a belonging.
- PDHPE provides students with a more
open outlook on things which promotes
positive reactions to situations (Bailey et
al., 2009).

5. Emotional Benefits
- Engagement in physical activity has been
directly linked to psychological and
emotional development which can be
beneficial for young people.
- Provides students with enjoyment which
can increased self-confidence and self-
esteem.
- Physical activity is a healthy outlet for
emotions (Bailey et al., 2009).

6. Academic Benefits
- Physical activity can indirectly contribute to
academic performance as it improves
concentration and arousal (Bailey et al., 2009).
- Studies undertaken in Canada and France have
shown that students provided with physical
education performed better academically than
those students who received a normal education
(Dwyer et al., 2001).
- Students learn physical skills and contribute to
the development of their memory.
- Promotes readiness and enthusiasm towards
learning.
- Benefits cognitive functioning by increasing
energy levels.

7. References
Bailey, R., Armour, K., Kirk, D., Jess, M., Pickup, I., Sandford, R., & BERA
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Special Interest Group. (2009).
The Educational Benefits Claimed For Physical Education and School
Sport: An Academic Review. Research Papers in Education, 24(1), 1-27.
doi: 10.1080/02671520701809817
Board of Studies NSW. Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Board of Studies NSWK-6 Syllabus. (2007). Retrieved May 9, 2014 from
http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/330e5ccb-782a-
432b-8ce5-122a8c42967e/k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
PDHPE. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2014, from
http://www.dbb.org.au/schools/tumbiumbi/ourcurriculum/Pages/PDHPE
aspx