Rationale

• PDHPE is a major area of the NSW K-12 syllabus and it is highly important that it is incorporated into the daily lessons within classrooms.

• PDHPE explores the importance of living a healthy lifestyle which increases the quality of life, less sickness and disability, happier personal, family and social experiences and the opportunity to make choices in work and recreation (Board of Studies. K-6 Syllabus)

PDHPE teaches children how to live healthy lifestyles both now and in the future through engaging in physical activity and making healthy eating choices.

PDHPE teaches children about their bodies, how they work and the effects caused by smoking, alcohol and other drugs. It also looks at the importance of prescribed medications in some situations, e.g. diabetic, asthmatic.

PDHPE explores friendships and relationships. It explores feelings and how we adapt to change. PDHPE also explores bullying and teaches children the importance of not allowing bullying behaviours.

PDHPE in PRIMARY SCHOOLS

PDHPE is highly important in primary schools. It teaches children:• Physical, social, cognitive and emotional growth and development

patterns• The development and maintenance of positive interpersonal

relationships• The factors influencing personal health choices• The adoption of an active lifestyle• Fundamental movement patterns and coordinated actions of the body,

and• Skills that enable action for better health and movement outcomes (Board of Studies. K-6 Syllabus p. 7-8)

Most importantly PDHPE provides a fun and interactive way of learning