1. WHY PD/H/PE?
An insight for parents into the teaching of Personal Development, Health &
Physical Education
Mr Chris Burton, 6B, Kookaburra Public School

2. Why Do We Teach PD/H/PE?
 PD/H/PE is a diverse subject that covers a wide variety of topics
and brings together elements of all Key Learning Areas or ‘KLAs.’
 Like any subject at school, PD/H/PE is integral to a child’s
development. It is especially important, however, because it builds
the foundations for one’s life as a healthy and fit child, and
subsequently, adult (Fitzgerald, Bunde-Birouste & Webster, 2009,
p. 127).

3. Why Do We Teach PD/H/PE?
 Physical activity is not only beneficial for a child’s health, but it
also allows them to develop skills in communicating and
cooperating with others (Australian Government Department of
Health, 2014).
 Health and Personal Development lessons allow students to learn
about the functions and development of the body, as well as
issues such as road safety and the effects of personal health
choices.

4. What Do We Cover In PD/H/PE
 PD/H/PE classes cover a variety of topics, including:
 Developing interpersonal relationships.
 Growth and development of the body, personality and values.
 Personal health choices.
 Developing safe living practices.
 Participating in various games and sports, gymnastics, and dance.
Adapted from the Personal development, health, and physical education K-6 syllabus,
Board of Studies, 2007.

5. Physical Activity and Inactivity in Australia
 Australia is often seen as a ‘sporting mad’ country, yet many of us do
not get enough exercise each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
 For children, the Australian Government Department of Health (2014)
recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. This
can come in a variety of forms and need not be in one 60 minute
session – it can be spread throughout the day.
 Even if some children are not interested in playing sport, it is
important for them to be physically active in some way.
 At home, make sure that your child does not sit down for extended
periods (although completing homework may be an exception).

6. Myths and Facts About PD/H/PE
Myths Facts
• PD/H/PE is all about physical activity.
• While physical activity does form a part of the PD/H/PE
curriculum, students will also be engaged in learning
about topics to do with healthy living, interpersonal
relationships, and growth and development.
• You have to be good at sport to participate in PD/H/PE.
• Anyone can successfully participate in PD/H/PE lessons –
practical and theory – regardless of whether they play
sport professionally. In fact, physical activity lessons at
school are designed to focus on fun first and foremost,
with skills development naturally progressing as we go
along.
• Disabled children cannot participate in practical PD/H/PE
lessons.
• Anyone – including students with a disability – can
actively participate in all lessons. Any activity can and will
be modified to ensure that students with disabilities are
not left out.
• Teaching children about drugs, alcohol and sex will result
in them trying these things at a young age.
• There is no scholarly evidence to suggest that children will
take drugs, drink alcohol or engage in sexual activity as a
result of learning about them at school. Teaching children
about drugs, alcohol and sex will inform them of the
associated risks, and will teach them that it is ok to say
‘no.’

7. Conclusion
As can be seen, the PD/H/PE subject covers a wide
variety of topics, and is integral to your child’s
development both physically and mentally. Most of all, it
is great fun!

8. References
Australian Government Department of Health. (2014). Make your move – Sit less –
Be active for life! Retrieved 8 May, 2014, from
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/healthpubhlth-
strateg-phys-act-guidelines/$File/Brochures_PAG_5-12yrs.PDF.
Fitzgerald, E., Bunde-Birouste, A., & Webster, E. (2009). Through the eyes of
children: Engaging primary school-aged children in creating supportive
school environments for physical activity and nutrition. Health Promotion
Journal of Australia, 20 (2), 127-132. doi: 10.1071/HE09127.
NSW Board of Studies. (2007). Personal development, health, and physical
education K-6 syllabus. Retrieved 8 May, 2014, from
http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/6e4311c5-336e-44f8-
8c39-e289d96597a8/k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.