Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is one of the six key learning areas in the NSW primary school curriculum. It is considered the most important area for social development and healthy lifestyles. PDHPE teaches students knowledge and skills to lead healthy, fulfilling lives by developing their social, mental, physical and spiritual health. It also encourages physical activity and sport to improve movement skills, reduce health risks, and promote psychological well-being and healthy lifestyle choices.

1. Why Teaching PDHPE is
important in Primary
Schools.
In NSW the curriculum for primary school
consists of six key learning areas (KLA).
Personal Development, Health and Physical
Education is one of these KLA’s. In respect to
social development and healthy lifestyles it
proves to be the most important aspect of the
learning areas.

2. Health Aspect
This syllabus encompasses all area’s of a
students life, the social, mental, physical and
spiritual health.
This syllabus is concerned with developing
students with knowledge and understanding,
skills, values and positive attitudes to enable
them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

3. Developing and
maintaining positive social
relationships Children who actively participate in sport are able to
develop skills in;
 Communication,
 Decision making,
 Interacting,
 Moving
 Problem solving.

4. Physical Activity
By encouraging children to participate in sport
on a regular bases it helps improve their
acquisition of movement skills, reduces the risk
of heart disease, helps control childhood
obesity, improves bone development and their
psychological health.

5. Helps promote healthy
lifestyle choices
By providing and teaching students appropriate
health behaviours and attitudes, it allows
students the ability to make informed health
choices that can improve their quality of life.