Importance of teaching physical education in schools

Physical education (PE) is a very important
component of the school curriculum. Regular physical activity is not only
essential for healthy growth and development – it can actually boost students’
academic achievement. Younger students can burn off some of their
energy, increasing their ability to settle in and focus on their academic work.
In adolescents, regular physical education not only helps to maintain a healthy
body weight, but has also been shown to lower levels of anxiety and depression
(Awosika, 2009).

In the opinion of Bucher and Krotee (2012),
physical, emotional and mental health is key predictors of future quality
of life for today’s students. The physical education curriculum includes
lessons on healthy eating, social and emotional health and sexual
health. The PE program provides students with the information
and skills they need to develop a lifelong commitment to an active, healthy
lifestyle. UNESCO (2003) as cited by Igbanugo (2009) stated that education
policy of the UNESCO requires students to take some form of health and physical
education classes for at least nine years. Students in elementary school are
also required to have 20 minutes of Daily Physical Activity (DPA)
every day.

Johnson, Delva and O’Mally (2007) stated that
quality physical education programs are needed to increase the physical
competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility, and enjoyment of
physical activity for all students so that they can be physically active for a
lifetime. Physical education programs can only provide these benefits if they
are well-planned and well-implemented.

Johnson et
al. (2007) identified the importance of the teaching of physical education in
school to include:

·
Improved physical fitness

·
Skill development

·
Regular, healthful physical activity

·
Support of other subject areas

·
Self discipline

·
Improved judgment

·
Stress reduction

·
Improved self-confidence and self-esteem

·
Experience setting goals

i. Improved physical fitness: Improves children’s muscular strength,
flexibility, muscular endurance, body composition and cardiovascular endurance.

ii. Skill development: Develops motor skills, which allow for safe,
successful and satisfying participation in physical activities.

iii. Regular, healthful physical activity: Provides a wide-range of developmentally
appropriate activities for all children

iv. Support of other subject areas: Reinforces knowledge learned across the
curriculum. Physical education serves as a laboratory for application of
content in science, math and social studies.

v. Self discipline: Facilitates development of student responsibility
for health and fitness.

vi. Improved judgment: Quality physical education can influence moral
development. Students have the opportunity to assume leadership, cooperate with
others; question actions and regulations and accept responsibility for their
own behaviour.

vii. Stress reduction: Physical activity becomes an outlet for
releasing tension and anxiety, and facilitates emotional stability and
resilience.

viii.
Strengthened peer relationships: Physical education can be a major force in
helping children socialize with others successfully and provide opportunities
to learn positive people skills. Especially during late childhood and
adolescence, being able to participate in dances, games and sports is an
important part of peer culture.

ix. Improved self-confidence and self-esteem: Physical education instils a stronger sense of
self-worth in children based on their mastery of skills and concepts in
physical activity. They can become more confident, assertive, independent and
self-controlled.

x. Experience setting goals: Gives children the opportunity to set and
strive for personal, achievable goals