Any P.E. teachers about? I have a question.

aliasojo

I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a war of opinions because this isn't about what people think as such (no offence meant), the object of the thread is to ask a specific question of those who know, in order to try to understand something better.

So, now that's out of the way.....

I'm wondering why a pupil who cannot take part in P.E. because they are physically hurt is generally made to change into their P.E. kit and stand outside watching the class play football/hockey/run lengths/whatever? It would appear that this is generally done in most (?) schools so not just a particular school policy.

My own feelings are that this is not beneficial and in fact affects the pupil in question in a negative way but there may be aspects about this that I'm not aware of/hadn't thought of, hence the question.

Clearly replies such as 'it never did me any harm' wont actually answer my question.

rachbc

I don't know but it could be to discourage those pupils who maybe tempted to 'pull a sicky' to avoid having to go out in shorts in the cold.

In what way would it affect the pupil negatively to have to get changed and watch?

jen007

I think it could be so that if the lesson includes something which the pupil could take part in, without further injury or distress and so can if they want to.

aliasojo

rachbc wrote: »

In what way would it affect the pupil negatively to have to get changed and watch?

Pupils on the field are able to move and keep up their body temperature, someone on crutches (for example) or with another injury that affects movement, isn't able to do that. This pupil may have to stand for at least 50 minutes in cold and sometimes wet weather. This pupil will obviously be affected by the cold more than their moving classmates.

Being made to stand in this way may cause resentment and the feeling they are being punished for being injured.

Standing doing nothing is a waste of time and energy. A more productive use of this time could be made, perhaps the pupil could be left in the library and made to study the background of what's being taught on the field, or the effect of exercise on muscle groups or something else that's relevant?

fluffnutter

I've got deja vu about this thread... I'm sure this was raised last year some time.

aliasojo

fluffnutter wrote: »

I've got deja vu about this thread... I'm sure this was raised last year some time.

Was it me? :rotfl:

I do have strong feelings about this and I'm also getting a tad old and forgetful. :D

I don't think I've ever seen a factual reply from a teacher though, it's always just been people (parents mostly) talking and giving their own thoughts iyswim.

meritaten

not a teacher sorry alias! My Aspergers GD doesnt do PE - he instead does Study time in the Library or goes to the 'den' area set aside in his school for the ASD students.
I agree that making a child change, and then them hanging about is counter productive - could I suggest that you have a word with childs GP about this? perhaps with his backing (or blessing) this could be resolved?

*max*

fluffnutter wrote: »

I've got deja vu about this thread... I'm sure this was raised last year some time.

I was just thinking the same! I just went "wait...I've seen this before...haven't I?" lol

Joannag_2

Is there a reason you can't just ask the teacher and find out the actual reason instead of asking people to speculate?

penny_crayon

I'm a teacher :-) Our school has a policy where pupils will take part in PE as much as they are able to. This could be officiating, coaching, timekeeping etc. A student can only be excused from PE completely with a doctors note. We have some students with asthma who dont have to go outside in the cold weather but have the required note. In any subject a teacher is required to differentiate lessons to the ability of the pupils and PE is no exception.

POPPYOSCAR

I used to question my daughter as to why she was taking her kit in when I had written her a note, and she would tell me that they had to wear it anyway and if they did not take it in they would get a detention.

I am all for school rules but I think this is totally ludicrous and something I found hard to support.