Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study PDHPE?

The syllabus has been designed for all students in Years 11 and 12 who have an interest in the areas of health and sports science. While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, it is assumed that students have undertaken a minimum 300-hours course based on the PDHPE Years 7 to 10 Syllabus. The Stage 6 PDHPE syllabus builds upon this experience by introducing students to more detailed study and higher-order skills.

Why study PDHPE?

• for those with a general interest and/or passion for health and sport

• for those who are interested in studying related areas at university including health sciences (medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and nursing), sports sciences (exercise and sport science, human movement, nutrition, and PDHPE teaching) and community health (health promotion).

Course description:

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. 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.

All aspects of PDHPE are of relevance to all young people and, as such, the syllabus prescribes a core 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.

Particular course requirements:

2 Unit PDHPE is predominately a theoretical course. There is a small component of practical work that is generally undertaken in the form of practical application tasks and laboratory work.

Main topics covered:

Year 11 Course

• Core Strands 60% o Better Health for Individuals (30%) o The Body in Motion (30%)

• Options - Select two of the following options: 40% o First Aid (20%) o Composition and Performance (20%) o Fitness Choices (20%) o Outdoor Recreation (20%)

HSC Course

• Core Strands 60% o Health Priorities in Australia (30%) o Factors Affecting Performance (30%)

• Options - Select two of the following options: 40% o The Health of Young People (20%) o Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society (20%) o Sports Medicine (20%) o Improving Performance (20%) o Equity and Health (20%)

HSC examination structure:

Time allowed: Three hours.

Section I – Core

• Part A (20 marks) o 20 multiple-choice questions based on the two HSC core modules.

• Part B (40 marks) o there will be approximately six short-answer questions o questions may contain parts o there will be approximately eight items in total o at least one item will be worth from six to eight marks.

Section II – Options o there will be two questions for each of the five options o students will be required to answer both questions on the two options they have studied o the first question on each option will be worth eight marks and may contain parts o the second question on each option will be an extended response worth 12 marks with an expected length of response of around three and a half pages of an examination booklet.

How is PDHPE relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

60 marks

40 marks

Related fields of study include: medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, biomechanics, nutrition, sports psychology, sport science, human movement, health promotion and PDHPE teaching and all other applied sciences.