1. Importance of PDHPE
in
primary schools
Personal development, Health and Physical Education is important in
primary schools as it is the foundation of building a child’s knowledge
on not only their own, but others’ well being.
PDHPE in primary schools:
• Encourage an understanding and valuing of self and others
• Promote physical activity
• Influence personal health choices
• Inform how to live and learn in a safe secure environment

2. Valuing of self and others
• Reinforces the importance of the individual’s well being by supporting their
personal identity.
• Students learn to develop social skills which allow them
to build and value positive relationships with
their peers and teachers.
• The development of these social skills in PDHPE
enable students to use them effectively outside of
school and are important in developing
interpersonal relationships in the future.
• Students learn to develop relationships in team
sports, this teaches them to work cooperatively and
appreciate their relationship with their peers.
• Students who understand and value themselves and others are better equipped
to respond to change.

3. Physical activity
• Physical activity taught in schools is often maintained by students later in life
which benefits their future health.
• Students are encouraged to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. This is
important in developing their future lifestyle habits.
• Physical activity eliminates the risk of health problems such as obesity and
heart disease, which are growing problems in Australia.
• Important in the development of children’s fundamental
movement skills in each stage.
• Benefits of both mental and physical health.
• Physical education in schools encourage positive
behaviours.

4. Personal health choices
• Healthy eating is one of the most important concepts that are taught in
primary schools. This concept is extremely beneficial in developing healthy
eating habits for student’s future lifestyle.
• The long term benefits of healthy eating and how it eliminates the risk of a
number of health problems.
• Educate students on issues that may be
uncomfortable discussing with their parents,
such as sex education and personal identity.
• Awareness of sensitive topics allow students to
have a better understanding on the subject matter
which will guide them in making the correct
health choices.
• Students need guidance concerning with
appropriate health attitudes and behaviours.

5. Safe and secure environment
• Education on safety is extremely important to children in
primary schools. The concept of safe living has vital role in
student’s safety.
• Issues involving personal safety, home and rural safety,
school and play safety, road safety, water safety and
emergency safety are used to educate children on how they
protect themselves in these situations.
• Strategies discussed have long term benefits for student’s
safety as they are able to apply them if a situation were to
occur.
• Students learn that there are certain things that are
acceptable and unacceptable depending on where they are.
• Understand that individuals have rights to respect their
own safety.