Chatswood High School

Inspiring excellence - achieving success

Telephone02 9419 3611

Emailchatswood-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Personal development, health and physical education

At Chatswood High School, our Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) program provides an engaging, modern, and comprehensive curriculum designed to support the development of healthy, well-rounded young men. Through innovative teaching methods and a variety of practical and theoretical activities, we empower students to understand and apply knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that will help them lead healthy lives. Our staff, who are attuned to the needs of adolescent boys, foster an environment where students are continually challenged and inspired.

Key Elements of PDHPE:

  1. Personal Development: Encouraging students to adapt to an ever-changing world, PDHPE equips them with tools for navigating life’s challenges while developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

  2. Health: Students gain a deep understanding of the various health issues that affect young men today. They learn to manage physical, mental, and social health with strategies for improving well-being.

  3. Physical Education: Emphasising fitness, fun, and skill development, students engage in various movement activities that help improve their physical abilities and teamwork.

Breakdown of PDHPE Programs by Stage:

Stage 4 (Years 7-8)

In the junior years, students are introduced to the foundational aspects of PDHPE. The program focuses on basic movement skills, fitness, physical activity, game skills, and teamwork in the practical component. Theoretical learning covers personal awareness, interpersonal relationships, communication, and drug education. These units provide a strong base for later, more specialised learning and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle.

Stage 5 (Years 9-10)

Mandatory PDHPE
In Stage 5, students continue to build on the skills and knowledge developed in Stage 4. The practical component further develops their fitness, movement, and game skills, while the theoretical component dives deeper into health topics such as mental health, nutrition, substance use, and relationships. The emphasis is on equipping students with the skills to make informed decisions for a healthy life.

Elective Course: Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS)
For students with a keen interest in sports or health, PASS offers an elective that covers more specialized topics such as body systems, sports medicine, coaching, performance enhancement, nutrition, and the role of physical activity in health. PASS provides an ideal option for those who wish to explore physical fitness and sports-related studies in more depth.

Stage 6 (Years 11-12)

Health and Movement Science (2025)
In Stage 6, the Health and Movement Science (HMS) 11–12 is a new course that is replacing PDHPE 11–12 in 2025. It integrates scientific concepts to engage students in understanding the factors influencing health and movement. Emphasising practical application, the course develops skills in problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, research, and analysis. Students explore areas of personal interest while contributing to their own and others' health and well-being. HMS links directly to post-school pathways in health and movement sciences and builds on the foundational knowledge from the PDHPE K–10 curriculum. The course aims to foster a deep understanding of health and movement-related topics.

Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR)
SLR is a more practical course, similar to the junior PDHPE program but with a greater emphasis on physical activity combined with theory. This course allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, studying health promotion, community fitness programs, and recreational activities.

Both PDHPE and SLR offer significant opportunities for students. PDHPE contributes to their ATAR, while SLR is a Content Endorsed Course that contributes to the HSC but not to the ATAR.

Our PDHPE program continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students. As Stage 5 PASS students transition to the senior years, both PDHPE and SLR courses remain popular, offering students opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of health and physical activity, and to pursue pathways that support active, healthy lifestyles.