Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is an integrated area of study that provides for the intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual development of students. It involves students learning about and practising ways of maintaining active, healthy lifestyles and improving their health status. It is also concerned with social and scientific understandings about movement, which lead to enhanced movement potential and appreciation of movement in their lives.
This course also includes a detailed study of movement and physical activity. The emphasis is on understanding how the body moves and the sociocultural influences that regulate movement. Scientific aspects to be studied include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and skill acquisition. Students also think critically about aspects of participation in physical activity and the ways that movement is valued.
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.
PDHPE Course
The Preliminary course examines a range of areas that underpin health and physical activity. This includes how people think about health and physical activity, the management of personal health and the basis for how the body moves. Students may complete two of the following options such as first aid, outdoor recreation and fitness choices.
In the HSC course, students focus on major issues related to Australia's health status. They also look at factors that affect physical performance. They undertake optional study from a range of options. Students focus on improved performance and safe participation by learning about advanced approaches to training or sports medicine concepts.
Community and Family Studies Course
Community and Family Studies is designed to develop in each student an understanding of the diverse nature and interdependence of families and communities, within Australian society. The course enables students to plan and manage resources effectively in order to address contemporary issues facing families and communities.
- The preliminary course examines Resource Management Basic concepts of the resource management process along with Individuals and Groups, the individual's roles, relationships and tasks within groups. The final core is centred on Families and Communities Family structures and functions and the interaction between family and community.
- In the HSC course Research Methodology Research methodology and skills culminating in the production of an Independent Research Project coupled with the core, Groups in Context studying the characteristics and needs of specific community groups.
§ Parenting and Caring Issues facing individuals and groups who adopt roles of parenting and caring in contemporary society along with Individual’s and Work are explored in detail.
Sports Lifestyle and Recreation
Students will learn about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle and recognise the need to be responsible and informed decision-makers.
This is a NON ATAR course which enables students to further develop their understanding of and competence in a range of sport and recreational pursuits. They are encouraged to establish a lifelong commitment to being physically active and to achieving movement potential.
Through the course students will develop: knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence health and participation in physical activity, the principles that impact on quality of performance, analyse and implement strategies to promote health, activity and enhanced performance. The course provides the opportunity to specialise in areas of expertise or interest through optional modules such as:
Athletics, Fitness, Outdoor Recreation, Resistance Training, Games Sports and Applications, Social Perspectives of Sport and Healthy Lifestyle.