PDHPE in Primary SchoolsHealthy eating and regular exercise are important in preventing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers which

are becoming more prominent in the 21st century.

While healthy eating and regular exercise are important, the PDHPE curriculum is unique as it directly supports the development of the whole student. The syllabus encompasses students social, mental and spiritual

health as well as their physical health through developing students knowledge and understanding as well as their skills and attitudes.

Objectives in PDHPE

The objectives of the PDHPE curriculum are to develop students skills in the following areas:

• Problem solving

• Interacting

• Moving

• Communicating

• Decision making

These skills are essential

in leading happy, healthy

lives as children and also

as adults.

How do we achieve these objectives?Students knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes are developed

through the 8 Strands within the PDHPE curriculum. Each of these strands gives students the foundations for leading healthy, active and fulfilling lives.

Safe LivingSafety is a part of our everyday lives, in this strand we look at:• Personal Safety• Home safety• School and play safety• Road and water safety• And emergency procedures Interpersonal Relationships

Communicating, cooperating and maintaining positive relationships are essential skills for life. Relationships may be with:• Peers• Teachers• Family members• Groups

Growth and DevelopmentIn this strand we look at our personal identity including our body, sexuality, changes and values. These topics are essential to students maintaining healthy emotional wellbeing and a positive self esteem.

Games and SportStudents learn to communicate, compromise, solve problems and learn new skills through playing games. These can include:• Warm Up Games• Athletics and aquatics• Court games, invasion games and

striking games.

Gymnastics and Dance

These strands teach students body movement control while developing locomotor and non-locomotor skills.

Active LifestyleStudents learn essential life skills including:• Ways to stay active• Components of an active lifestyle • and the effects of physical activities.

Personal Health ChoicesThis strand teaches us about making the correct decisions around:• Nutrition• Drug use• Health services and products• Preventative measuresMaking the right decisions from a young age can influence the rest of our lives.

PDHPE looks at the entire student