PDHPE is a mandatory course that is studied in each of Years 7–10 with at least 300 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10. This is a requirement for eligibility for the award of the Record of School Achievement.
Developing movement skills and participating in physical activity are integral to the PDHPE K–10 Syllabus. Students should be provided with the opportunity to participate in physical activity on a weekly basis as a minimum part of the PDHPE syllabus. For some students with disability, teachers will need to consider relevant and appropriate adjustments to movement experiences.
Throughout the course, students develop, strengthen and refine key PDHPE skills that allow them to take action and advocate for the health, safety, wellbeing and participation in physical activity of themselves and others. This includes an emphasis on self-management, interpersonal and movement skills.
Students can choose the elective; Physical Activity and Sports Studies in Stage 5. This course aims to enhance students’ capacity to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life for themselves and others.
Students engage in a wide range of physical activities in order to develop key understandings about how and why we move and how to enhance quality and enjoyment of movement.
The Stage 6 PDHPE course students with the opportunity to learn about the range of areas that underpin health and physical activity.
With a focus on health of individuals and community as well as the factors that influence movement skills and physical activity levels, students develop their critical thinking skills and develop a deep understanding of the factors that impact on health, sport and physical activity in Australia.
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.
