WHY IS PDHPE IMPORTANT?

PDHPE promotes the social, emotional and physical

growth of all students, it supports the gaining of
necessary movement, problem solving,
communication, decision making and interaction skills
and encourages positive attitudes towards lifelong
active and healthy lifestyles and choices necessary to a
childs ongoing growth and development (PDHPE K-6
Syllabus, 2007).

DID YOU KNOW?
Studies have shown that once children become obese they are more likely to
stay obese into adulthood and have an increased risk of developing diseases
associated with obesity (ABS, 2009).
In 2007-08, one-quarter of all Australian children, or around 600,000 children
aged 5-17, were overweight or obese, up four percentage points from 1995
(ABS, 2009). (Obesity is increasing)
1 in 4 children are overweight or obese (AIHW, 2013)
Only one-third of children undertake the recommended 60 minutes of physical
activity every day set by the Department of Health (The Department Health,
2014).



DID YOU KNOW?
BENEFITS OF PDHPE FOR CHILDREN
Reduced risk of later developing Cardiovascular Disease
Strengthens Bones and Muscles
Reduces risk of becoming overweight or obese
Counteracts obesity
Promotes healthy heart, lungs and arteries
Helps confidence and enhances self-esteem
Concentration at school is improved

Primary schools with fitter children achieved better literacy and numeracy
results. (Telford, Cunningham & Telford, 2012)

Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity during
childhood improves students learning, builds their understanding of
teamwork and improves their general physical activity and fitness
levels. (NSW DET, 2000)
WHAT NOW?
Parents:
Be aware of the importance of PDHPE and take an interest into your childs health and
physical development.
Model healthy and active behaviors
Initiate games and activities to develop your childs various skills
Support Teachers and school PDHPE programs and strategies

Everyone:
Each of us has a role and responsibility in the promotion of health and physical of
primary school children.
Use your knowledge and skills to inform, educate and instill the importance of PDHPE
into the lives of the children you care for, whether you are a parent, grandparent,
educator or friend.
REFERENCES

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2009). Retrieved May 6, 2014, from
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features20Sep+2009
Authoritative information and statistics to promote better health and Wellbeing. (2013). Retrieved May 6, 2014,
from http://www.aihw.gov.au/overweight-and-obesity/
Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal development, health and physical education K-6 syllabus. Sydney,
Australia: Author.
NSW Department of Education and Training. (2000). Get skilled: Get active: A K-6 resource to support the
teaching of fundamental movement skills. Ryde, Australia: Author.
Telford, R. D., Cunningham, R. B., Fitzgerald, R., Olive, L. S., & Prosser, L. (2012). Physical education, obesity and
academic achievement: A 2-year longitudinal investigation of Australian elementary school children.
American Journal of Public Health, 102(2), 368-374.
The Department of Health. (2014). Retrieved May 6, 2014, from
https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-active-
evidence.htm