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.
Faculty Information
Students study aspects of a social view of lifestyles where the principles of diversity, social justice and supportive environments are fundamental aspects. Individual, family and community values and beliefs and the sociocultural and physical environments in which we live will be examined.PDHPE provides students with the ability to develop their interpersonal skills which empower them to make better informed decisions that will enhance their overall wellbeing.
Syllabus Resources
The syllabus and other supporting material for Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) 7-10 is available on the NESA website
Through the study of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education courses, students develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes needed to take action to protect and enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing in varied and changing contexts. Physical education is fundamental to the acquisition of movement skills and concepts to enable students to participate in a range of physical activities – confidently, competently and creatively.
– Source: NESA
Stage 5 Electives
Marine Studies
Marine Studies students spend their time studying a wide diversity of marine related subjects. The course starts with mandatory work in water safety, first aid, equipment maintenance and an overview of the marine world. Students then explore the nature of dangerous marine creatures, marine plants and mammals.
Physical Activity and Sports Studies
Physical Activity and Sports Studies aims to enhance students’ capacity to participate effectively in physical activity and sport, leading to improved quality of life.
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.
Outdoor Recreation
This course is aimed at students with an interest in outdoor pursuits. The class will be examining skills for Outdoor recreation, looking at environmental impact, knowledge for a successful Outdoor recreation excursion, skill development whilst outdoors, analysing the historical component of Bush Craft’s origins and researching the natural environment.
Rugby
The Rugby elective is a 200-hour course encompassing the rules, specific training, first aid, nutrition, coaching, game strategy and advanced skill development required to succeed in both rugby league and rugby union.
Stage 6 Subjects
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
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.
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 choices.
Marine Studies
The oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface and influence all forms of life on this planet. Oceans are alternatively viewed as areas rich in minerals and marine life which can supply our needs virtually without limit, or as convenient dumping grounds for agricultural, industrial and domestic waste.
Marine Studies provides an opportunity for students to view these issues in a comprehensive and global perspective. Marine Studies provides an educational context, linked to the needs of a significantly coastal and
waterways-based population, fostering links to tertiary study and vocational pathways. Further, this syllabus brings a wide range of marine-based leisure experiences to students in a safe setting.
Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation
This course makes a positive contribution to the total wellbeing of students. They develop knowledge and understanding of the value of physical activity, increased levels of movement skill, competence in a wide variety of sport and recreation contexts and skills in planning to be active. These and other aspects of the course enable students to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle.