Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
This course is available to Year 11 and 12 students. Personal Development, Health and Physical Education is a Board Endorsed Course meaning that it does contribute towards a students A.T.A.R.
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.
Young people are growing up in a world of rapid change. Expanding technologies, new social structures, shifting community values and emerging environmental issues are complex interrelated factors that affect the way individuals live their lives. At a time when there is tremendous opportunity for good health there are numerous conflicting influences on lifestyle.
It should be a goal of every individual to lead a fulfilled life that is active and healthy. Furthermore, it is desirable to be a part of a society that promotes this as a key value and supports its members in leading healthy lifestyles.
In order for students to enhance personal growth and to make a significant contribution to the wellbeing of others, this syllabus focuses on the health of individuals and communities and the factors that influence movement skill and physical activity levels.
This syllabus focuses on a social view of health where the principles of diversity, social justice and supportive environments are fundamental aspects of health. The examination of individual, family and community values and beliefs and the sociocultural and physical environments in which we live provides an explanation for health status and sustainable solutions for better health.
The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion is introduced as an important concept for exploring health issues. It provides a framework where enabling, mediating and advocating for health is acted upon through the key strategies of:
- building healthy public policy
- strengthening community action
- creating supportive environments
- developing personal skills
- reorienting health services.
The health promotion model is applied to specific study of national health priority areas and issues related to equity and health. It also enables students to investigate areas of great relevance, including the health of young people and the analysis of personal health.
This syllabus 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 history, economics, gender and media as they impact on patterns of participation in physical activity and the ways that movement is valued. These areas of study prepare students to be informed participants in movement culture, skilled, intelligent performers and analysts of movement.
As students are confronted by particular PDHPE issues, they are challenged to examine them in socially imaginative ways and respond in terms of individual plans, lifestyle decisions and clarification of values. The syllabus gives emphasis to the development of those skills that enable students to translate knowledge and understanding and beliefs into action. This includes the ability to:
- research, inquire and question in order to facilitate transfer of learning in a changing society
- define issues, identify and consider outcomes of possible solutions
- choose, implement and evaluate courses of action
- resolve conflict, assert rights and access social support.
The syllabus has been designed for all students in Years 11 and 12 who have an interest in this area. While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, it is assumed that students have undertaken a minimum 300 hour course based on the PDHPE Years 7–10 Syllabus. The Stage 6 PDHPE syllabus builds upon this experience by introducing students to more detailed study and higher order skills.
All aspects of PDHPE are of relevance to all young people and, as such, the syllabus prescribes a core of study that represents the breadth of the learning area. It is acknowledged, however, that senior students will have particular areas of interest that they wish to pursue in greater depth. Consequently, the syllabus offers a significant options component designed to enable students to specialise in chosen areas.
The syllabus provides a direct link with study and vocational pathways in the areas of recreational, paramedical, movement and health sciences. Related career opportunities are expanding and gaining recognition throughout the community as legitimate fields of endeavour.
The study of PDHPE also supports students as they develop into young adults. The syllabus encourages personal growth, the enhancement of wellbeing and the development of the individual's capacity to take a productive role in society.
Text is from the Board of Studies Personal Development, Health and Physical Education syllabus.