PDHPE is important in schools for several reasons: 1) It supports students' development as whole people by addressing their personal, health, and physical needs. 2) It teaches students about healthy lifestyles and makes choices, which is especially important for those who don't receive health education at home. 3) It encourages physical activity and teaches important life skills like communication, decision making, problem solving that students can apply both in and out of school.

1. +Why is PDHPE
important in
schools?
Stage 1
Primary PDHPE ‘makes a unique contribution to
the total school curriculum in that it is directly
concerned with supporting the development of the
student as a whole person.’

2. +
Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education
 PDHPE incorporates both the theory and practical in
order to introduce children to a healthier lifestyle.
 The way that PDHPE is taught is very important as
for some students it will be the only education they
will receive about health. Some students will come
from families which are not very health conscious, so
giving them the information they need to make
healthy choices, and educate them as to why those
healthy choices are important for their health in the
future. (Personal health choices PHS1.12, Active
Lifestyle ALS1.6)

3. +
 PDHPE encourages students to get active and provides them
with many life skills.
 Some of these skills include:
 Communicating COS1.1: Teaches students how to communicate
their needs and feelings in an appropriate way.
 Decision Making DMS1.2: Teaches students how to think back on
past experiences to make better decisions in the future.
 Interacting INS1.3: Helps students develop positive relationships
with those around them, particularly through group work.
 Moving MOS1.4: Helps students develop a sense of improved
coordination and movement.
 Problem Solving PSS1.5: Teaches students how to think back on
past experiences to solve similar problems.
 These skills provide students with the foundations of learning
which they will use throughout school, and outside school to
help them navigate into a more efficient learning environment.

4. +
PDHPE also provides an opportunity for
children to develop strengths and discover
abilities they did not think themselves
capable of. It gives children who may not
excel at academics have a chance to feel
very confident in their abilities.
PDHPE gives students the chance to engage
in learning outside of a class environment.
By using certain games, students are able to
learn, whilst also letting out excess energy
and having fun. This allows students to
become more focused to work in the
classroom.

5. +
PDHPE can help students which an
‘improved quality of life, less sickness and
disability, happier personal, family and social
experiences and the opportunity to make
choices in work and recreation.’
PDHPE allows students to bring the healthy
lifestyle message into the home and share
what they have been learning.
All quotes taken from the Board of Studies
Personal Development, Health and Physical
Education K-6 Syllabus.