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).
WHY ?
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

WHAT NOW?
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 J ournal 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
REFERENCE
S