Physical education

Physical education equipment storage in Calhan, Colorado.

In most educational systems, physical education (P.E.) class, also called physical training (PT) and Phys Ed in Australia, though each with a very different connotation, is a course in the curriculum which utilizes learning in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains in a play or movement exploration setting. The term physical education is most commonly used in this way; however, this denotes rather that "they have participated in the subject area, not studied it."

The primary aims of physical education vary historically, based on the needs of the time and place. Often, many different types of physical education occur simultaneously, some intentionally and others not. Most modern schools' goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, capacities, and values along with the enthusiasm to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. Some schools also require physical education as a way to promote weight loss in students. Activities included in the program are designed to promote physical fitness, to develop motor skills, to instill knowledge and understanding of rules, concepts, and strategies, and to teach students to work as part of a team, or as individuals, in a wide variety of competitive activities.

School curriculum

Physical education is that phase of education which, through the median of motor activity, guides an individual to a successful solution to everyday living.

In the United States, the physical education curriculum is designed to allow pupils exposure to the following categories of activities: aquatics, conditioning activities, gymnastics, individual/dual sports, team sports, rhythms, and dance. The technology movement has spilled over into the field of physical education with the use of pedometers, GPS, and heart rate monitors. Some martial arts classes, like wrestling in the United States, and Pencak Silat in France and Malaysia, are also offered to teach students self-defense and to feel good about themselves. On July 18, 1975, the United States House of Representatives voted to require school physical education classes include both genders. Some high school and some middle school PE classes are single-sex.

In Scotland pupils are expected to do two periods of P.E. in first year, one in second year and two in third and fourth year. In fifth and sixth year, P.E. is only done by choice

In England pupils are expected to do two hours of P.E a week in Year 7, 8 and 9 and at least 1 in year 10 and 11.

Clothing

The majority of schools require pupils to change into a different set of athletic shoes or go barefoot - sport pending, e.g. gymnastics requires the latter. Some schools require students to change into athletic clothes of their own choosing while others require a uniform. A common uniform consists of a white t-shirt and shorts in the school color, but this is not a universal rule. At some Catholic schools, modest clothing is required. For safety, some schools require males to wear a jock strap as part of the physical education uniform. Some schools allow male students to go barechested when they are outside during a hot day. Most uniformed classes require the student to label their name on their clothes.

Occasionally, certain activities will require a special uniform. For example, some schools require swimming as part of the physical education curriculum. In this case, students typically have to wear a bathing suit in either the school color or black with a swimming cap of the same color. In the past it wasn't uncommon for schools to allow or require male or female students to swim in the nude if the class was single-sex. Also, in games with two or more teams, students usually have to wear colored jerseys or cape-like garments over the usual uniform as a way of identifying team member.

In some schools they are not as strict and pupils can wear tracksuit bottoms, three-quarter lengths or even shorts, with a t-shirt of their choice as long as there is no football, rugby etc colours.

A Canadian Initiative: Daily Physical Activity (DPA)

Starting in September 2005, all Alberta students from grades one to nine are to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Daily physical activity (DPA) aims to increase physical activity levels among students in order to curb increasing rates of obesity and chronic diseases. A physical education class counts towards the 30-minute daily minimum or physical activity can be incorporated throughout the school day and integrated into other subjects.

DPA and daily physical education (DPE) are different concepts. Physical activity is body movement that expends energy, while physical education is a school subject designed to help children and youth develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to participate in active, healthy living.

The goal of daily physical activity (DPA) is to increase students’ physical activity levels. Schools have been given a great deal of flexibility to find creative ways to provide thirty minutes of daily physical activity for all grades one to nine students. DPA is important for all schools. Healthy students are better able to learn, and supportive environments help students develop positive habits for a healthy, active lifestyle.