Its all in the name

Personal
Development
Health
Physical
Education

PDHPE in Primary Schools
Why its essential
Occasionally the teaching of PDHPE in Primary Schools is sidelined so that teachers
can focus on developing the students literacy and numeracy skills. However my
argument is, that the implementation of PDHPE education will support and
complement all other key learning areas, such as Mathematics and English.
PDHPE focuses on the overall student development, and its syllabus is based on the
broad notion that health encompasses all aspects of an individuals wellbeing,
inclusive of social, mental, physical and spiritual health(PDHPE K-6 Syllabus)
This means that through the correct teaching of PDHPE in our Primary Schools,
students will become equipped with the skills necessary to support their physical,
emotional, social and mental development. This also has the potential to benefit the
students in other learning areas.

How will the students
benefit?
Health and wellbeing is a vital part of our education system and
forms the foundation of the PDHPE curriculum in Primary schools.
One of the key concepts of the PDHPE syllabus is the idea that if
students have a sound understanding of a range of health and well-
being related issues including their advantages and disadvantages,
they will be able to make more responsible decisions in their
teenage and adult life.
In essence the syllabus aims at encouraging students to recognise
and identify healthy living practices necessary for a productive and
flourishing existence.
Continued
According to the PDHPE syllabus, students will:
Develop physical, social, cognitive and emotional growth and
development patterns
Develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships
Learn about the factors influencing personal health choices
Learn about living in a safe and secure environment
Learn the fundamental movement patterns and coordinated actions of
the body
Develop skills that enable action for better health and movement
outcomes




Conclusion
The teaching of PDHPE in our Primary Schools is a vital
approach in the overall development of the students.
The curriculum encompasses a wide variety of health and
well-being related concepts, necessary for the maturity and
growth al k-6 students
The PDHPE syllabus will complement other key leaning areas
as it aims at creating open minded and unbiased students.
References
Personal development, health and physical
education k-6 syllabus, Board of Studies