PDHPE rationale

1. PDHPE Rationale
Why PDHPE is important in
Primary Schools
Miss Sundin’s 5S Circus

2. The Facts
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that
there has been a large spike in the numbers of obese or
overweight children (ABS, 2013).
• The number of overweight or obese children has
increased by 7% for boys and 6% for girls since 1995
(ABS, 2013).
• In 2011-2012 roughly a quarter of Australian children
aged between 5-12 years of age were either overweight
or obese when their BMI was measured (ABS, 2013).

3. The Consequences
• As indicated by the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (2013) obese children are more likely
to continue being overweight into their adult life.
• Obesity in children increases the risk of long
term health problems and conditions, such as
cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes
(ABS, 2013).

4. What role does PDHPE play?
• PDHPE encourages and shows the benefits of
long term physical activity.
• The PDHPE Syllabus (2007) promotes the
importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles,
and how it can best be achieved.
• Through PDHPE students learn decision
making, along with personal and the wellbeing of
others.

5. What will my child learn?
• In PDHPE we will focus on five key areas of development: moving,
problem-solving, communication, interacting, and decision-making
• Children will learn the elements of movement, while applying
teamwork and communication which increases self-esteem and
confidence.
• Your child will also learn to identify influence on personal identity
and examining physical, social, and emotional changes.
• Children will also learn the importance of road safety and the
measures needed to stay safe in a variety of situations.

6. Why is PDHPE important in
Primary Schools?
• PDHPE is important in schools as it helps
shape children understand the importance
of healthy lifestyle choices in their life.
• Through participation in PDHPE children
will start their journey to being responsible,
productive, and active members of society.

7. References
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013) Gender Indicators
– Overweight/Obesity
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20
Subject/4125.0~Jan%202013~Main%20Features~Over
weight%20and%20obesity~3330
• Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal development,
health and physical education K-6 syllabus. Sydney,
Australia
http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/3
30e5ccb-782a-432b-8ce5-
122a8c42967e/k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES