The importance of teaching pdhpe in schools
- 1. THE IMPORTANCE OF PDHPE IN SCHOOLS: WHY TEACH IT? People always think less of PDHPE as a subject because they think it only involves sport but there’s so much more to it!
- 2. Of course, it involves sport and exercise to a large degree To maintain a healthy lifestyle, students must learn the significance of physical activity because it: * is essential for development during adolescence. * reduces the chance of contracting heart disease and can improve cardiovascular efficiency. * contributes to the quality of life – creatively, socially and, if students exercise in the morning for 20 minutes, their concentration levels are increased for school activities. * improves immune status and combats stress. * enhances bone development & controls obesity.
- 3. It also concerns the understanding and valuing of the self and others. This is an essential part of PDHPE but also life in general after school because students learn to: * express a range of feelings according to what they think/feel * become supportive as part of a team and work cooperatively * select positive ways of responding to others and their situations. * overcome disasters and unnecessary stressors * become more tolerant of those who are different * become confident in themselves and their relationships
- 4. Speaking of relationships, PDHPE assists the ability to develop and maintain positive ones. When students become confident in and understand themselves they are able to: * successfully interact with others; family, friends, peers and teachers. * feel a sense of belonging and security * understand the importance of negotiation, conflict resolution, roles, responsibilities, etc. * make informed decisions in a community setting * understand the nature of life’s changes according to their newfound relationships & confidence
- 5. The adoption of a healthy lifestyle is also a crucial concern in the field of PDHPE. In this sense, students learn to: * accept guidance from teachers about what is considered healthy/unhealthy behaviours and attitudes: which includes: - - refusal skills in drug situations - - healthy food choices - - importance of physical exercise - - alleviation of psychological stress * This also develops the students’ decision-making skills and how to take effective and responsible action in any situation.
- 6. Finally, PDHPE promotes living and learning in a safe secure environment The safety of children is possibly the most fundamental concern and is relevant in everyday life, across all areas; personal, home, school, road & water safety. This is because it teaches students the ability to: * recognise situations in which the child may be unsafe and risk- orientated. * use strategies and protect themselves * recognise that they have rights as human beings for respect & safety. * observe when somebody is abusing their power