It's time to give NSW Primary PDHPE the Energy it Deserves

Reimagining PDHPE in Primary Schools: A Conversation with Lyndelle Batten

The way PDHPE is taught in primary schools across New South Wales is undergoing a transformation, and now is the time to reimagine how we approach this essential subject. In a recent episode of The PDHPE and CAFS Podcast, I sat down with Lyndelle Batten—an experienced primary school teacher, sports coordinator, and K-6 PDHPE Mentor at The Learning Network and pdhpe.net —to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing the new K-6 PDHPE syllabus.

If you’re a primary school teacher, RFF teacher, or a school leader passionate about elevating PDHPE, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to make PDHPE more accessible, engaging, and valued in your school community.

Why PDHPE is Often Overlooked

Despite being one of the most loved subjects by students, PDHPE often takes a backseat in primary education. With so much emphasis placed on literacy, numeracy, and subjects like religion in Catholic schools, PDHPE tends to fall down the priority list.

Teachers are stretched thin, juggling multiple syllabuses with limited time, making it difficult to dedicate the focus PDHPE deserves. Additionally, from a leadership perspective, PDHPE is often not seen as “measurable” in the same way that subjects like English and Maths are.

However, as Lyndelle points out, PDHPE plays a crucial role in students' overall development, from fundamental movement skills to resilience, teamwork, and overall well-being. Schools that prioritise student well-being are already embedding many PDHPE principles into their daily routines—it’s just a matter of recognising and integrating them effectively.

Overcoming the Challenges of Teaching PDHPE

A major takeaway from our conversation was the need to work smarter, not harder. Many teachers feel overwhelmed by the new syllabus, but in reality, it provides a structured approach that can be seamlessly woven into existing routines.

Here are some practical strategies for making PDHPE more manageable:

✅ Embedding Movement into Daily Routines – Movement doesn’t have to be confined to sport sessions. Activities like skipping, hopping, and simple ball games can be integrated into brain breaks, transition times, or even literacy activities.

✅ Vocabulary-Focused Learning – One of the key elements of the new syllabus is a focus on vocabulary. Teachers can create word walls for PDHPE-related terms, integrating them into literacy lessons.

✅ Backward Mapping for Smarter Planning – Instead of viewing PDHPE as an isolated subject, it can be mapped across different learning areas. For example, lessons on nutrition can tie into science units, while resilience and decision-making can align with social studies and literacy activities.

✅ Utilising Ready-Made Resources – The K-6 PDHPE Membership at The Learning Network is designed to provide teachers with structured lesson plans, assessments, and checklists to reduce workload and streamline planning.

Making PDHPE a Priority in Schools

PDHPE is about more than just sport—it’s about preparing students with the skills they need for life. The new syllabus emphasises fundamental movement skills, personal development, and holistic well-being, making it easier for teachers to deliver meaningful lessons without feeling overwhelmed.

By leveraging structured programs, professional development, and collaborative planning, schools can ensure that PDHPE is valued and embedded effectively across all year levels.

Join Our Free Live PDHPE Trainings

If you’re ready to transform the way PDHPE is taught at your school, we invite you to join us for three FREE live PDHPE training sessions happening from Tuesday, March 11 - Thursday, March 13 at 8 PM via Zoom. These sessions will equip you with the tools and strategies to confidently navigate the new syllabus.

📅 Register here: thelearnnet.com/week

Or, if you’d love to check out the resources and support available in the K-6 PDHPE Membership, visit thelearnnet.com/pdhpe.

Let’s work together to reimagine PDHPE in New South Wales and give our students the best possible foundation for lifelong health, well-being, and success.