Personal development, health and physical education

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.

Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is one of the key learning areas in all NSW School Curricula.

The syllabus provides a strengths-based approach towards developing the knowledge, understanding and skills
students need to enhance their own and others’ health, safety, wellbeing and participation in physical activity in varied and changing contexts. The syllabus
provides opportunities for students to develop self-management, interpersonal and movement skills to help students become empowered, self-confident and socially responsible citizens.

The PDHPE Years 7–10 Syllabus includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with a disability.

All 7 – 10 students have four PDHPE lessons in a two-week cycle - two theory and two practical lessons. Students receive a work booklet each term for their theory lessons and are expected to be appropriately dressed for each practical lesson.

In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:

• Community and Family Studies

• VET Fitness

• Health and movement science

All faculty members encourage students to reach their potential in a safe learning environment. Each PDHPE teacher is actively involved in coaching successful sporting teams and coordinating fitness sessions in our comprehensive Fitness Lab.

Faculty Members

Mr Brayden Wren (Year 7 Advisor): Brayden.wren1@det.nsw.edu.au

Mr Nathan King: Nathan.king3@det.nsw.edu.au

Miss Nikki Dryden: Nikki.dryden1@det.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Georgia Snowden: Georgia.callow4@det.nsw.edu.au

Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)

Elective PDHPE subjects offered:
Stages 5:

Course Description:

Physical Activity and Sports Studies 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 Physical Activity and Sports Studies CEC Years 7–10 course includes Life Skills outcomes and content for students with disability.

What will students learn about?

This course would appeal to any student interested in further study in PDHPE. 
It provides an excellent link with Stage 6 PDHPE and for students interested in coaching or participating in recreational and sporting activities.

What will students learn to do?

The course includes modules selected from each of the following three areas of study: Foundations of Physical Activity, Physical Activity and Sport in Society and Enhancing Participation and Performance.

Throughout the course, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills that develop their ability to:

• work collaboratively with others to enhance participation, enjoyment and performance in physical activity and sport

• display management and planning skills to achieve personal and group goals in physical activity and sport

• perform movement skills with increasing proficiency

• analyse and appraise information, opinions and observations to inform physical activity and sport decisions.

Assessment:

Typical course assessment tasks include assessment of participation and skills, laboratory reports, research reports, fitness testing and formal written examinations.

Additional Requirements:

Students must be prepared to be very physically active. An excursion may occur throughout the year which will involve a cost for transport and venue hire.

Stage 6 Elective courses in PDHPE

In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:

• Community and Family Studies – CAFS Stage 6

• Health and movement science – Stage 6

• VET Fitness STAGE 6

To learn more about our Stage 6 courses, please contact the school to find out information from our PDHPE faculty.

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the diverse nature and interdependence of families and communities within Australian society. It helps students to plan and manage 
resources effectively in order to address contemporary issues facing families and communities.

Community and Family Studies Stage 6 aims to develop in each student an ability to manage resources and take action to support the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities in Australian society 

The Health and Movement Science 11–12 Syllabus is shaped by the 5 propositions.

Year 11 is organised into 2 focus areas: Health for individuals and communities; and The body and mind in motion. Year 12 is organised into 2 focus areas:

Health in an Australian and global context; and Training for improved performance. Depth studies are also to be embedded in Years 11 and 12, and a Collaborative Investigation embedded in Year 11. The skills of collaboration, analysis, communication, creative thinking, problem-solving and research underpin the syllabus content. These skills encircle the syllabus structure along 
with the propositions ‘Focus on educative purpose, take a strengths-based approach, value movement, develop health literacy and include a critical inquiry approach.’

This course is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills required to work in the fitness and exercise industry. Students are required to be over 18 to work in this industry and possess a Working with Children Check. This course offers a foundational understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, providing students with the essential building blocks to design safe and effective exercise programs for individuals of varying fitness levels and goals. Throughout the course, students will gain hands-on experience in fitness assessment techniques, exercise sessions, effective ways to communicate with clients, empowering them to become proficient personal trainers and fitness instructors.

In addition to the core knowledge, the Certificate III in Fitness emphasises the development of strong interpersonal and communication skills, crucial for building and maintaining client relationships. Students will learn to create tailored fitness plans, adapt training methods, and motivate clients effectively.

Upon successful completion, students will be prepared to pursue further qualifications and certifications in Fitness.

This qualification provides a pathway to work as a fitness instructor in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres.