The Importance of Physical Education

Shayne Frost

ID# 110086

Class: ND4B

G.C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport

The Importance of Physical Education

Physical Education has been a integral part of the Jamaican education system. Students from grade 7 - 9 have Physical Education as a compulsory subject which provides them with at least 1 hour of movement. In recent years there has been chatter to suggest that Physical Education is unnecessary, especially in some American schools. The thinking behind removing P.E. from the school's curriculum is to save the money used on it, and place it in another area. How does it affect students in the long run though? Only time will tell.

There are many benefits of physical education in schools such as:

1. Physical Health:  More physical activity equals more healthy children. The children therefore are more physically fit and not obese. Healthy children are less likely to develop diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases.

2. Academic Performance: No physical education class is said to be done so children can spend more time in the classroom but physical education helps to improve academic performance. According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, attending physical education classes is directly related to better academic performance and attitude towards school.

3. Social Growth: Activities in PE help children develop healthful social interactions.They will be doing activities with other students which help them to build relationships with others. As they play and interact with others they learn how to talk and be around other students.

Physical education has many benefits in schools. It should be a main stay in the Jamaican society as it helps our students immensely.