‘From being the other subject to being the alternative’ Pt 2

by Roxell John

In order for us to change Physical Education from being the other subject to being the alternative I wish to present the following ideas.{{more}}

1. A Synchronized Physical Education Program from the Pre-School to Secondary School level.

l Pre School Physical Education must be planned and organised across the board in all the private and public run Pre schools, with the following objectives to be achieved.

1. Multi lateral and harmonic development of the young

2. Physical and psychological development of the infant

3. Improvement of the infant’s health

4. Contribute to the formation of proper motor and hygienic habits

5. To start the inculcation of acceptable moral and social habits

6. Development of the infants conditional capacities

7. Formation of the fundamental movement skills

l Primary School Physical Education where the tutors have a basic knowledge in delivering a planned Physical Education Program and not just entering the system based on the love of a sport or sports. The teachers must be able to follow the development of the fundamental movement skills and the other social and moral aspects already started at the Pre School level. It will be therefore important for the Primary School teachers to familiarize themselves with the Pre School Program and as to how they should continue with the students when they enter their respective primary Schools. Proper records must therefore be taken pertaining to the infants’ development in preschools pertaining to the objectives that were to be achieved in the Pre School development. Copies of these records must then be made available to the corresponding Primary School teacher so as to give both a personalized and grouped idea of how the Primary School teacher must go forward with the respective objectives that they must achieve at this level. The Primary School Physical Education Program must have the following objectives:

1. To achieve a sufficient level of development of the students’ coordinative and conditional capacities and flexibility as well as the basic motor abilities that will allow them in achieving the objectives set down by the program for their respective age and sex.

2. The students must be able to understand and come to grips with the importance of physical activity and sports as a vital component in the development of the organism, maintaining good health and in the preparation of an individual for life in future.

3. Students must be given the opportunity to participate enthusiastically in all physical education activity at this level, especially in the early stages where they are given the lead to show and develop honesty, value, volunteerism, discipline and the ability to work and help mates in groups.

At this level we must insist that we move quickly from the competitive style of our teaching that now characterizes our system to one of sport for all, especially at the first three grades. Mass participation and sports for all is the idea that everyone should have the chance to take part in sports, as regularly as they wish and at whatever level they choose. This should be possible at the Primary school level irrespective of where they live, the school they attend, their ability, age, wealth, gender, race or religion.