Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Stage 6 Syllabus (2012)
The Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Stage 6 Syllabus (2012) is for students in Stage 6. Find out more about the syllabus and access teaching and learning support materials.
New syllabuses implemented from 2025
The new Health and Movement Science 11–12 Syllabus (2023) is to be implemented from 2025.
2025, Term 1
- Start teaching Health and Movement Science 11–12 Syllabus (2023) for Year 11 students
- Start implementing new Year 11 school-based assessment requirements
- Continue to teach the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Stage 6 Syllabus (2012) for Year 12
2025, Term 4
- Start teaching Health and Movement Science 11–12 Syllabus (2023) for Year 12 students
- Start implementing new Year 12 school-based assessment requirements
2026
- First HSC examination for Health and Movement Science 11–12 Syllabus (2023)
Detailed implementation information, including key features and resources, is available on the PDHPE Stage 6 syllabus development page.
About the course
With a focus on health of individuals and community as well as the factors that influence movement skills and physical activity levels, students develop their critical thinking skills and develop a deep understanding of the factors that impact on health, sport and physical activity in Australia.
The Preliminary course examines a range of areas that underpin health and physical activity. This includes how people think about health and physical activity, the management of personal health and the basis for how the body moves. Students have the opportunity to select from a range of practical options in areas such as first aid, outdoor recreation, composing and performing, and fitness choices.
In the HSC course, students focus on major issues related to Australia's health status. They also look at factors that affect physical performance. They undertake optional study from a range of choices. This includes investigating the health of young people or of groups experiencing health inequities. In other options, students focus on improved performance and safe participation by learning about advanced approaches to training or sports medicine concepts. There is also an opportunity to think critically about the factors that impact on sport and physical activity in Australian society.
Through the study of the PDHPE course, students learn to develop:
- values and attitudes that promote healthy and active lifestyles and communities
- knowledge and understanding of the factors that affect health
- capacity to exercise influence over personal and community health outcomes
- knowledge and understanding about the way the body moves
- an ability to take action to improve participation and performance in physical activity
- an ability to apply the skills of critical thinking, research and analysis.
Preliminary course
Core topics (60%)
- Better Health for Individuals (30%)
- The Body in Motion (30%)
Options component (40%)
Students select TWO of the following options:
- First Aid (20%)
- Composition and Performance (20%)
- Fitness Choices (20%)
- Outdoor Recreation (20%)
HSC course
Core topics (60%)
- Health Priorities in Australia (30%)
- Factors Affecting Performance (30%)
Options component (40%)
Students select TWO of the following options:
- The Health of Young People (20%)
- Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society (20%)
- Sports Medicine (20%)
- Improving Performance (20%)
- Equity and Health (20%)
Board Developed Course
Course number(s):
- 11300 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (2 units – Preliminary)
- 15320 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (2 units – HSC)
Prerequisites: Nil
Eligibility rules: Nil
Study via self-tuition: Yes
Exclusions:
- 16620 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Life Skills (2 units – Preliminary)
- 16620 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Life Skills (2 units – HSC)
The Preliminary course consists of two core modules representing 60% of course time. An options component representing 40% of course time includes four options of which students are to study two.
The HSC course consists of two core modules representing 60% of course time. An options component representing 40% of course time includes five options of which students are to study two.
The knowledge and skills developed in this course can be applied across a range of career pathways.
Industries related to this course include, but are not limited to, the following outlined on the Your Career website:
Assessment and exam information and support