PDHPE

2 Unit Category A subject - contributes to ATAR

PDHPE 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 is a health promotion model that is applied to the specific study of national health priority areas and issues related to equity and health.

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.

Preliminary Year 11 Topics

Core topics

Compulsory topics to be studied in year 11

Better Health for Individuals

Examines the meanings of health, the perceptions individuals have about health and the range of factors and behaviours that influence health.

Body in Motion


Explore how the body moves and why it moves in particular ways. Students focus on the relationships between anatomy, physiology, fitness, biomechanics and efficient human movement.


Options- 2 options to be completed in Preliminary year

First Aid



Prepares students for undertaking a positive first aid role desirable in many settings

Composition and Performance

Explore the elements of composition and apply them to movement skills in a medium of their choice

Fitness Choices


Experience a range of exercise options and evaluate the ability of each to meet individual fitness needs.


Outdoor Recreation


Practical learning experiences in order to develop technical skills of campcraft, navigation and survival.



Year 12 HSC Topics

Core Topics

Compulsory topics to be studied in year 12

Health Priorities in Australia

Examines the health status of Australians and investigates the current health priority issues in Australia

Factors Affecting Performance

Explore the physical and psychological bases of performance. Investigate the contributions of psychology, nutrition and recovery strategies to performance.

Option Topics

Two of these options to be studied in year 12

Health of Young People


Examine the nature of young people’s lives and the developmental factors that significantly influence their health

Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society

Explore how sport, as a major social institution in Australian society, is important in shaping people’s values and beliefs about national identity, gender, and culture.


Sports Medicine


Concerned with the specific issues of prevention, assessment, management of and recovery from sports injury

Improving Performance

Experience and analyse a variety of training methods and look at the application of these methods to improving performance

Equity and Health


Examine the populations that experience health inequities and critically analyse social, cultural, economic and political factors that impact on the health status of these populations

Career Options

The course has applications in career paths such as

Nurse Physiotherapist Alternative medicine Ambulance officer

Dietician Sports science

Human movement field Sports management

Sports administration PDHPE teaching

Personal trainer Health promotion.




PDHPE Syllabus link