Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) is mandatory from Kindergarten to Year 10.
According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), students are expected to participate in PDHPE for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours per week in Kindergarten to Year 6.
PDHPE provides students with opportunities to explore issues that are likely to impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others – now and in the future. Students also participate in challenging and enjoyable physical activity, improving their capacity to move with skill and confidence.
Academic achievement is enhanced when students are given opportunities to develop coordination through a well structured physical education program. At Canterbury South Public School, physical education is taught from Kindergarten through to Year 6. Classes participate in daily fitness activities as well as weekly skill based programs that assist in gross motor development. Friday is sport day for all students. Students participate in the premier's sporting challenge where the amount of physical activity is monitored and recorded weekly.
Children in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in primary school sports association (PSSA) sport where they represent the school in netball and soccer. During this time the children compete against other schools in the Wiley Park Zone at local parks.
Carnivals are part of the physical education program. Swimming, cross country and athletics carnivals are held annually with the children displaying skills they have acquired in PE lessons. Students performing exceptionally well at these carnivals may be offered the opportunity to compete in zone, regional, state and national teams.