Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:
- Community and Family Studies
- Exploring Early Childhood
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies.
The NSW PDHPE K-10 syllabus for Years 7-10 is designed to help students learn about their health, wellbeing, and physical activity in a more detailed way. According to the current curriculum requirements, schools must allocate a minimum of 300 hours to PDHPE over these four years. This is delivered as approximately two hours per week. PDHPE aims to teach students:
· About the things that can affect their health and wellbeing, like where they live, their family, and their community.
· How to make good choices for their health and wellbeing, and how to manage risks.
· Why being active and learning movement skills is important for their physical and mental health.
· How to have positive attitudes and values that support a healthy and active lifestyle, and respect for others' health and wellbeing.
· How to think critically and make good decisions about their own health and the health of their community.
The PDHPE syllabus for Years 7-10 helps students become more knowledgeable and empowered, so they can take care of their own health and make positive contributions to their communities. It also helps them develop important life skills for their teenage years and beyond.
If students are especially interested in the topics covered in PDHPE, Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt provides the following stage 5 elective courses:
Child Studies:
Child Studies in Stage 5 is an elective course that introduces students to the fundamentals of child growth and development. Students learn about the different stages of childhood and what children need to grow up healthy and strong. Topics include things like how kids learn and play, how to keep them safe, and how their families and communities can support their growth. The course also has hands-on activities like planning healthy meals for kids or creating fun learning games.
Physical Activity and Sport Studies:
Physical Activity and Sport Studies in Stage 5 is an elective course that encourages students to get active and learn about the benefits of sports and exercise. Students explore how the body works during physical activity, the importance of staying fit and healthy, and the role of sports in our lives and communities. They learn about different sports, how to improve their skills, and how to create exercise plans. The course includes both classroom learning and practical sports activities, helping students understand the value of an active lifestyle.