What’s Raising Eyebrows in the New K-6 and 7-10 NSW PDHPE Syllabus?

Many NSW primary teachers and high school PDHPE teachers are starting to cast a curious eye toward the new K-6 and 7-10 PDHPE syllabus. And let’s be honest, there’s a mix of excitement, questions and a healthy dose of “Where do I even begin?”

🔍 What’s Really Causing a Stir?

From increased clarity in movement skills to a stronger focus on consent, respect and the human body, the newK-6 and 7-10 PDHPE syllabus is built to prepare our students for real-world learning. But let’s dive into a few of the standout shifts:

1. Fundamental Movement Skills Are Front and Centre

Many primary teachers are feeling the pressure when it comes to teaching Fundamental Movement Skills explicitly. Gone are the days of just "grabbing a ball and heading to the oval". The syllabus now calls for clear instruction, differentiation and purposeful movement experiences.

Good news? We're backing you with practical support in the K-6 and 7-10 PDHPE syllabus. Checklists, instructional cards and broken-down activities are already available inside our membership and will be front and centre at the upcoming K–10 PDHPE Forum.

2. Respectful Relationships and Consent

One of the biggest focuses of the syllabus, this content area will be taught through clear, age-appropriate models and terminology. 

3. Let’s Talk About Anatomy

Body systems are making a much stronger appearance across the K-6 and 7-10 PDHPE syllabus. From the brain and lungs in early years to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems in high school, this progression is designed to support deeper understanding of health, fitness and the human body, aligning perfectly with Stage 6 Health and Movement Science. 

4. Balanced Teaching Is Non-Negotiable

The syllabus is clear: PDH and PE must be taught in balance. That means no more using PE as a “reward” or pushing it aside for literacy. The expectation is equal focus and we’re 100% behind this shift in K-6 and 7-10 PDHPE.

5. Biomechanics in PDHPE? Yes, Really.

In a move that has sparked plenty of conversation, biomechanics has been included in Stage 4 and 5 PDHPE. It’s a natural extension from the Health and Movement Science syllabus focusing on biomechanics, movement efficiency and injury prevention. But, its place in high school PDHPE has raised questions.

Whether you’re a fan or a little sceptical, it’s here. And we’re here to help make it practical and purposeful.

6. Aboriginal Perspectives are Embedded, Not Tacked On

From movement to holistic wellbeing, First Nations knowledge is meaningfully woven throughout the syllabus. We applaud this and we’ll be bringing it to life through resources and discussions at the forum and beyond.

💬 What Teachers Are Saying

There’s a strong mix of curiosity and overwhelm right now. Some schools haven’t even touched the syllabus. Others are wondering how to fit it all in. That’s exactly why we created the K–10 PDHPE Forum to bring you clarity, confidence and practical strategies.

Whether you're a primary teacher juggling every KLA or a high school PDHPE teacher trying to figure out how biomechanics fits into PDHPE, you're not alone.

🎟️ Ready to Dive In?

Join us May 1st & 2nd, 2025 at the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence in Sydney Olympic Park for the K–10 PDHPE Forum. Together, we’ll explore:

✅ Assessment & differentiation strategies
✅ Explicit skill development
✅ Respectful relationships & consent
✅ Biomechanics in Stage 4–5
✅ Literacy in PDHPE
✅ Fundamental movement in K–6
✅ The balance between PDH and PE
…and so much more.

This is your chance to reshape the future of PDHPE and walk away with the resources and support to bring it to life in your classroom.

🔗 Register now: www.thelearnnet.com/forum

🎧 Want to go deeper on this? Check out the latest episode on The PDHPE & CAFS Podcast: www.thelearnnet.com/133