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 300 hours per year in Years 7 to 10.
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.
In Year 11 and 12, courses available include:
- Community and Family Studies
- Exploring Early Childhood
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation Studies.
PDHPE Faculty Staff 2025
Mr Blair Newham (Head Teacher) (TSP Football Coordinator) - Blair is an enthusiastic teacher who loves his football. Blair coaches on a weekend at Hamilton Olympic FC. in the NPL and coordinates the school TSP football program as well as working with Mr Miller in the school sport coordinator role.
Mr David Connaughton (Sport Coordinator & TSP Football Coach) - David is an integral member of the PDHPE staff who coaches multiple school sporting teams including: touch football, basketball and futsal as well as coaching with Mr Newham the school TSP football program.
Mr Zac Sneddon (Sport Coordinator) - Zac joined Rutherford Technology High School in 2022 after teaching in Newcastle area. Zac was born and raised in Newcastle and in his early 20's spent time in California playing football. Zac currently plays first grade for Weston in the NPL. In Zac's spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as playing golf.
Mrs Sharni Cooper (M, Tu, W & F-Wk B) - Sharni is a passionate and dedicated Dance and PDHPE Teacher. Sharni has over 16 years dance teaching experience who loves to see her students progress and is passionate about education and wellbeing.
Mr Tarran Cooper - Tarran is an organised and enthusiastic teacher within our PDHPE Faculty. Tarran graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2021 and us joined Rutherford Technology High School in 2023. Tarran grew up on the Central Coast and takes particular interest in engaging within a wide range of sports including Football, Oz Tag and Cricket.
Mr Josh Cornick - Josh is a dedicated and supportive teacher who is eager to join the PDHPE team for Semester 2 in 2024. Josh has 10 years' experience working in primary schools in the Maitland and Newcastle areas with roles ranging from Classroom Teacher, LST Coordinator and Assistant Principal. Josh is passionate about teaching PDHPE, and his competitive sporting experience lies primarily within football and cricket. During the Semester, Josh will be supporting the TSP Football Program. Semester.
Mr Joddy Griffiths (TSP Rugby League Coach) - Joddy is a hard working PDHPE teacher and a member of the school communication team. Joddy also coordinates the Year 7 boys TSP rugby league program and has keen sporting interests in rugby league where he currently plays his weekend sport.
Ms Megan Judd - Megan is a dedicated and enthusiastic PDHPE teacher who has been at Rutherford Technology High School for more than 10 years. Megan is passionate about teaching and learning and has returned to teaching after furthering her career as a Cardio-thorasic Intenstive Care Nurse. Megan enjoys playing a variety of sports, spending time with family and being actively involved within the community.
Mr Luke Miller (Sport Coordinator) - Luke is a dedicated teacher who has been at RTHS in the PDHPE Faculty for over a decade. His main interests are in sport of football where he coaches a junior team outside of school at Dudley FC. Luke has been integral in the modification of the school sport program and is a current member of the school Aboriginal Education Team.
Mrs Jade Petersen - Jade is an enthusiastic and passionate PDHPE teacher who has recently graduated from University. Jade enjoys teaching a range of different sports and her main and own sporting interests is dancing and cheerleading.
Mr Harrison Sutherland - Harrison is new to RTHS this year and is excited to be part of the PDHPE Faculty. Growing up in Newcaslte, Harrison's love for sports was ignited, initially through the Emerging Jets Football Academy. Later within Harrison's sporting journey, he found passion in playing 1st Division Rugby League at Wests Lambton, touch football for the Hunter Hornets and also an inherent love for the ocean. Early in his teaching journey, he eagerly assumed the role of Assistant Convenor for Hunter School Sport Surfing, where he cultivated his love for leadership. It is the dynamic culture that sports create that truly fuels is passion.