The importance of PDHPE in Primary Schools

is paramount.By Clare Elliott

The importance of PDHPE in Primary Schools

It has been estimated that 20% - 25% of Australian children are either overweight or obese and that between 1985 and 1997, the number of school children who are obese had increased 3-fold while those overweight had doubled. Source – NSW Department of Education and Training - http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/primary/pdhpe/phc/nut002.htm

The importance of PDHPE in Primary Schools

Nutrition education is an important part of the school curriculum and enables children to learn at an early age the importance of healthy eating.

The importance of PDHPE in Primary Schools

Games, sports and physical activities in Primary School develops each students competence and confidence. Students develop fundamental movement skills, progressing to more games and sports-specific in non-competitive and competitive environments that foster positive feelings of success and enjoyment.

Sport and games have many benefits in primary schools, some are listed below;

improve physical fitness improve confidence through learning skills and

success help children to learn to control their impulses -

this is necessary for success in sport as well as social relationships

help build friendships start lifetime interests help children learn about rules and fair play help children to cope with winning and losing help children do better at school work.

The importance of PDHPE in Primary Schools

PDHPE incorporates safe living education which is concerned with the protection of individuals through the promotion of safe environments and practices. This focuses on developing in students a commitment and an ability to act in ways that will keep themselves and others safe from harm. This topic covers such vital subjects as;

Personal SafetyHome and Rural SafetySchool and Play SafetyRoad SafetyWater SafetyEmergency Procedures