The document discusses the importance and benefits of PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) in primary schools. It notes that PDHPE focuses on physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth, developing relationships and making healthy lifestyle choices. The benefits of PDHPE include healthy growth and development, improved fitness and skills, reduced stress, boosted confidence and self-esteem, and reduced risk of obesity. The document encourages parents to support PDHPE by being active role models, limiting screen time, and fostering healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

1. PHDPE RATIONALE
The importance of PDHPE in primary schools
Miss Naomi Vaughan 5/6N

2. WHAT IS PDHPE?
The study of PDHPE is an important area within the primary curriculum as it
focuses on:
 Physical, social, cognitive and emotional growth
 Developing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships
 Personal health choices
 Living and learning in a safe secure environment
 Adopting an active lifestyle
 Body movement and co-ordination
 Skills that enable better health and movement
(Board of Studies, 2007).

3. WHAT IS IN THE SYLLABUS?
The study of PDHPE is an important subject within
children’s lives. These topics include;

4. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PDHPE?
Regular physical activity helps children:
 Have a healthy growth and development
 Build strong bones and muscles
 Improve balance and develop skills
 Maintain and develop flexibility
 Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
 Improve cardiovascular fitness
 Reduce stress and feel more relaxed
 Boost confidence and self-esteem
 have fun with their friends and make new ones
Children who don’t get enough physical activity are at a greater risk of
becoming overweight or obese. This makes it harder for them to be active
and keep up in sport or play. Being overweight can also make kids more
prone to conditions such as asthma, flat feet and joint sprains. In the long
term, it can contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure and
cholesterol, heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and liver disease (NSW
Department of Education and Communities, 2011).

5. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
 Be a good role model and have a positive attitude to being active.
 Make time to be active as a family – walk to the local park, go bike riding or take the dog for
a stroll.
 Encourage ‘active play’ by buying gifts that get children up and moving, such as balls, bats,
skipping ropes and other equipment.
 Limit the amount of time that children spend on ‘small screen’ entertainment – such as
watching TV, going online or playing computer games – to no more than 2 hours a day.
 Children should wear hats, appropriate footwear and 30+ sunscreen when they’re being
active outdoors.
 Make sure they drink plenty of water when they are physically active or playing sports.
 An active lifestyle is fuelled by healthy foods – make sure your children make healthy food
and drink choices and limit foods that are high in added sugar, salt and saturated fat.
(Healthy kids, 2014)

6. REFERENCES
 Board of Studies, NSW (2007). PDHPE K – 6 Syllabus
 Healthy kids. (2014) Kids and Teens. Retrieved 24 April,
2014 from http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/kids-
teens.aspx
 NSW Department of Education and Communities (2011).
Benefits of physical activity. Retrieved 24 April, 2014
from
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/pr
imary/pdhpe/paschools/pa_benefits.htm