PDHPE is often considered less important than subjects like English and Math. However, the document argues that PDHPE is essential in primary schools as it educates children about health issues and how their decisions affect their lives. It promotes a healthy lifestyle that supports mental, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing. PDHPE teaches students how physical activity can improve cognitive and social skills while reducing stress, and allows them to make informed choices about factors influencing their health and wellbeing.

2. PDHPE is often considered a „less important‟ learning area due
to the heavy focus on other subjects such as English and Math.
PDHPE is an essential unit to be taught within Primary Schools
as it allows children to be well informed of health issues and
understand how their decisions affect their lives.
A healthy lifestyle is one that “allows them the greatest chance of
achieving and maintaining mental, physical, social and spiritual
wellbeing” (PDHPE Syllabus, 2013, p.6)

3. Physical Activity
How to make
informed
decision
making
(PDHPE Syllabus, 2013)
PDHP
E
Understanding
and valuing of
self and others

4. Maintain healthy weight
Develop balance, coordination,
strength and flexibility
Improve Cognitive Skills
Build Social Skills
Reduces stress
(PDHPE Syllabus, 2013)

5. PDHPE enables students to make informed
decisions about factors influencing both their
wellbeing and health such as…
(PDHPE Syllabus, 2013)

6. PDHPE allows students to develop social skills.
This in turn contributes to feelings of selfconfidence and self-acceptance.
References
Board of Studies. (2013).Personal Development, Health and Physical Education k-6 Syllabus.
Retrieved October 1, 2013, from
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/pdhpe.html#syllabus