justificationPE

Physical education, along with other foundation subjects, has suffered as the government enforce literacy and numeracy. Although these subjects are clearly important it is worrying that PE could be eroded into the background of the 'non-academic'; labelled only as a 'practical' subject.

It is essential to attempt to define education in order to justify PE's fundamental contribution. Education is essentially about the 'whole person' and only through acheiving our full potential can our lives be enriched. It is essential, therefore, that the physical dimension of a person is also included in education.

PE is the only subject which develops a child's physical, health and social well-being. It has, however, also been suggested that PE can actually increase academic performance. A study by Shepherd (1997) revealed that children who took part in additional PE showed acceleration in their
psychomotor development. Also research earlier by
Sharpe (1979) claimed that structured movement
experience had positive effects on the development
of children's thinking skills. Although further research
is necessary such findings have important implications
for PE's fundamental contribution to children's education.

Another problem faced by PE is its confused relationship with sport and recreation. Teachers are often criticised for not understanding the value of PE, or teaching it correctly. In today's society the leisure industry continues to expand and commercialisation has become synonymous with sport. Although, this expanding market can be harnessed to help promote the importance of PE in schools.

However, it is important that teachers understand the difference between PE and sport. Sport involves competition, it is often elitist and can be used as a form of catharsis. Consequently, PE is for everyone, and through effective teaching, skills can be developed in all areas of the curriculum, through gymnastics, dance, games, swimming, athletics and outdoor and adventurous activities.

Health related exercise is also
fundamental to PE and through a
combination of skills, knowledge,
understanding, attitudes and
confidence children's health and
well-being can be improved. HRE is also
an important link between the
child, family and community, providing good
practice that can lead to an enjoyment of physical activity even after they leave school. Therefore, like the academic subjects, PE also plays a fundamental part in determining each child's future.

In conclusion, PE clearly contributes to the curriculum, linking itself easily to the other subjects, science and maths being the most obvious, along with developing the social, moral and spiritual dimensions of the child. Through this website I will also look at how ICT can be used to benefit the PE curriculum particularly with regards to planning, performing and evaluating.

The health and social benefits of PE are unequivocable and without the development of physical skills, knowledge and understanding of their bodies, along with self control, co-ordination, team work, committment, enthusiasm, determination and responsibility, each child's full potential can never be reached.