PDHPE is an essential part of the primary school curriculum because it promotes students' mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Statistics show that many children worldwide are overweight and inactive. PDHPE teaches lifelong skills like problem solving, decision making, communication, and interacting with others. It covers topics from road safety and drug use to dance, gymnastics, and human sexuality. Developing these skills and knowledge helps students succeed in all areas of school.

1. WHY IS PDHPE AN ESSENTIAL
PART OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
CURRICULUM?

2. What are the facts?
In 2006 approximately 22 million children
under the age of five worldwide were
overweight (World Health Organisation 2006).
In 2007, 31% of children in Australia did not
meet the National Physical Activity
Recommendations of 60 minutes of physical
activity a day (Health.gov.au 2013).
PDHPE is not just about exercise, it also gives
students the skills needed to live a healthy and
happy life.

3. The importance of PDHPE
can often be overlooked
for other subjects such as
English and Mathematics
PDHPE is essential to develop
mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being within
the student
A sense of well-being helps students within all areas
of schooling.

4. Problem Solving
Skills
Students learn how to
research, develop a solution
and reflect upon their own
work
Interacting Skills
Teaches students the skills to develop
meaningful relationships, work
cooperatively within a group and relate
positively to others
Movement
Skills
Students develop the
ability to participate
within a range of
games and sports
Decision Making Skills
Assists students in making wellinformed decisions
Communication Skills
Students will learn how to express
themselves, listen to others and
respond appropriately in a variety
of situations
What lifelong skills does PDHPE
develop within the student?

5. What topics students will learn
about?
Gymnastics
Sun safety
Drug use
Families and friends
Road safety
Different dance styles
Personal Identity
Human Sexuality
Making decisions
Ways to be active

6. References
Freedigitalphotos.net (2013). Free Photos - Free Images - Free Stock Photos FreeDigitalPhotos.net. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net [Accessed: 10
Oct 2013]
Health.gov.au (2013). Department of Health | Research and Statistics. [online] Retrieved
from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strategactive-evidence.htm [Accessed: 13 Oct 2013].
K6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au (2013). K-6 Educational Resources :: Personal
Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). [online] Retrieved from:
http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/go/personal-development-health-and-physical-educationpdhpe [Accessed: 13 Oct 2013]
Who.int (2013). WHO | The World Health Report 2006 - working together for health. [online]
Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/whr/2006/en/ [Accessed: 13 Oct 2013].