WHY PDHPE?

Within the context of primary school education, the

Personal Development, Health, and Physical
Education (PDHPE) program focuses on encouraging
students to make informed decisions related to health
and physical activity, in addition to developing a
positive attitude whilst fostering a healthy lifestyle.
PDHPE as a significant component of education
promotes the social, emotional, physical and spiritual
well-being of all its students. In addition to this,
PDHPE strengthens movement, problem solving,
communication, decision making and interaction
skills; all crucial when discussing the notion of child
development (PDHPE K-6 Syllabus, 2007).

FRIGHTENING FIGURES
Alarmingly, fourteen million Australians are overweight or obese.
Research accentuates that once children become obese they are
more likely to stay obese into adulthood and have an increased
risk of developing both short and long-term health conditions,
such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (ABS, 2009).
In 200708, one-quarter of all Australian children, or around
600,000 children aged 517 years, were overweight or obese
(ABS, 2009).
Only one-third of children participate in the recommended 60
minutes of physical activity per day, as suggested by The
Department of Health (The Department Health, 2014).

HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH PHYSICAL

ACTIVITY
Regular physical activity is one of the most significant factors
contributing to good health. It helps individuals:

Control their weight.

Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reduce the risks associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic

syndrome.

Reduce the risk of multiple types of cancers.

Strengthen bones and muscles.

Improve mood and health.

Increase life expectancy.

WHERE TO NOW?
Everyone:

Universally, each and everyone of us is accountable for promoting good health

and lifestyle choices.

Despite whether your role is that of a parent, caregiver, grandparent, friend, or

educator, it imperative to instill the importance of PDHPE into our children in
order to actively perpetuate the notion of good health and physical well-being.
Parents:

Be a positive figure in your childs life by leading a life that encourages and
promotes healthy lifestyle choices.
Promote physical activity by participating in activities that are fun and stimulating
for children.
Show an interest in the growth and development of the children surrounding you.
Be supportive of the PDHPE program within the context of schooling.

REFERENCE LIST
Australian bureau of statistics. (2009). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features20Sept
+2009
Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal development, health and physical education K-6
syllabus. Sydney, Australia: Author.
Centres for disease control and prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2015, from
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/index.html?s_cid=cs_284
Modi breakthrough treatment for obesity + diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from
http://www.modi.monash.edu.au/obesity-facts-figures/obesity-in-australia/
The department of health. (2014). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from
https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhithstrateg-active-evidence.htm