PDHPE Rational

There is increased importance placed on health and the benefits of physical activity. PDHPE helps students

grow and contributes to the development of physical, social, affective and cognitive abilities. (Board of

Studies NSW, 2007).

Importance of PDHPE Within The Primary Curriculum

Promotes physical activity

Helps develop and maintain positive

interpersonal relationships

Encourages understanding of valuing self

and others

Promotes physical, social, cognitive and

emotional growth

Emphasises informed decision making, leading to

effective & responsible action

Guides and influences

personal health choices

Helps children recognise safe

secure environments

Promotes development of

fundamental movements and

actions

Develops skills that promote better

health and movement outcomes

Helps students adopt an active

lifestyle

(Board of Studies NSW, 2007)

Physical Benefits- PDHPE educates children about health and

the benefits of physical activity (Board of Studies, 2007).

- Teaching physical education in schools is a great way to tackle the issue of adult physical inactivity in adults (Bailey et al., 2009).

- Creates healthy habits within children.- It assists students in acquiring and

developing movement skills which are important for engagement in life long physical activity (Bailey et al., 2009).

Social Benefits - Outdoor education is a means of personal

and social development.- Lessons require communication, team

work and collaboration with others. This teaches children social skills.

- Promotes tasks that involve using alternative methods of instruction.

- Students can form a sense of identity by being a part of a team, this can help promote a belonging.

- PDHPE provides students with a more open outlook on things which promotes positive reactions to situations (Bailey et al., 2009).

Emotional Benefits- Engagement in physical activity has been

directly linked to psychological and emotional development which can be beneficial for young people.

- Provides students with enjoyment which can increased self-confidence and self-esteem.

- Physical activity is a healthy outlet for emotions (Bailey et al., 2009).

Academic Benefits- Physical activity can indirectly contribute to

academic performance as it improves concentration and arousal (Bailey et al., 2009).

- Studies undertaken in Canada and France have shown that students provided with physical education performed better academically than those students who received a normal education (Dwyer et al., 2001).

- Students learn physical skills and contribute to the development of their memory.

- Promotes readiness and enthusiasm towards learning.

- Benefits cognitive functioning by increasing energy levels.

ReferencesBailey, R., Armour, K., Kirk, D., Jess, M., Pickup, I., Sandford, R., & BERA

Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Special Interest Group. (2009). The Educational Benefits Claimed For Physical Education and School Sport: An Academic Review. Research Papers in Education, 24(1), 1-27. doi: 10.1080/02671520701809817

Board of Studies NSW. Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Board of Studies NSWK-6 Syllabus. (2007). Retrieved May 9, 2014 fromhttp://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/wps/wcm/connect/330e5ccb-782a-432b-8ce5-122a8c42967e/k6_pdhpe_syl.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

PDHPE. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2014, from http://www.dbb.org.au/schools/tumbiumbi/ourcurriculum/Pages/PDHPE aspx