PDHPE RationaleThe importance of PDHPE in our classroom

Miss Louise Lembach 2L

What are some of the benefits for children between the 5 and 12 years of age to be physically active?* Promote healthy growth and development• Build strong bones and muscles.• Improve balance and develop skills.• Maintain and develop flexibility.• Help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.• Improve cardiovascular fitness.• Help relaxation.• Improve posture.• Provide opportunities to make friends.• Improve self-esteem.

Some concerning statistics of children and adults who are not physically active from the WHO (World Health Organisation).• Estimates that at least 60% of the

global population does not achieve the recommendation of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity daily physical activity.

• Estimates that physical inactivity causes 2 million deaths worldwide annually.

• Physical activity and education is declining in schools worldwide.

• Of particular concern is the increasing incidence of child obesity.

• Department of Health and Ageing issued physical activity recommendations for 5-12 year old and 12-18 years old (DoHA, 2004).

• 60 minutes of combined moderate and vigorous physical activity per day.

• 31% are not meeting these recommendations.

How can we encourage kids to be active and healthy at home and in school?• Make physical activity a fun part of

their daily routine.• Put time limits on the use of

electronic media for entertainment (e.g. computer games, TV, internet). Children should not spend more than two hours a day on these activities!

• Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods.

• Offering a range of physical activities, some ideas →

Brisk walk/running A bike ride

Ball games Dancing

Organised sports Swimming

It is proven that “students who are well-nourished and physically active are better able to reach their academic potential and exhibit positive behaviours in the classroom.”

Let’s work together!At school our aim in teaching PDHPE is to develop in each student the knowledge, understanding, skills and values, and attitudes needed to lead healthy active and fulfilling lives.

With the support of parents, we can achieve a healthy schooling community that will build confidence in the children and a healthy outlook in their adulthood.