Exercise at school

pigpen

Dunroamin wrote: »

What happens in a "physio session"?

It is rather like a zumba/yoga class from what the girls have said.. I figured that counts as exercise .. mixture of dance and stretches.

Dunroamin

pigpen wrote: »

It is rather like a zumba/yoga class from what the girls have said.. I figured that counts as exercise .. mixture of dance and stretches.

And they do that four times a week - what a waste.

plumpmouse

pigpen wrote: »

Most competitors had private out of school lessons. You do not get to olympic standard on an hour a week! What rubbish!! I know someone who played at Wimbledon and another Olympic level swimmer (she missed out by less than a second in Oly,pic qualifying) I went to school with.. neither did these things at school.

And very few of the children think it is great esp once they reach high school.. Only 1 of mine liked games lessons and it was only because he didn't have to do any writing! It should be optional for those who do other activities. I think I was 12 the last PE lesson I took part in.. it was humiliating and degrading and I felt exposed in little more than underwear (shorts and tshirt) I am absolutely not the only one who felt that way and I was a tiny skinny thing.

I think the key word in Person-one's post was introduced. She wasn't claiming that great sportsmen and women are made through school PE lessons. More that school is a place where ever children can and should try different sports - dance, swimming, gymnastics, cricket, football, netball and probably a whole lot more for free. Then if they truely enjoy it they can move to clubs and seek extra coaching if they wish.

I think PE is important for all children for the above. How else can you introduce your child to a different sport/activity so frequently? My son always did (and still does) sport and exercise out of school but I still feel that PE lessons are an important part of our education for all children.

I also don't believe it should optional. Children should be taught that we all have a talent in something and encouraged to develop that whilst still being a part of other activities. I detested art, drama and music. I hated doing work in both and others seeing it as I was so bad - should I have been allowed to opt out of these. If so where does opting out stop if someone is poor at reading should they be allowed to opt of that?

Perhaps it would be better for schools to look at making PE more friendly so if people are uncomfortable in wearing shorts/t-shirts then they could wear trackie bottoms etc amongst other things. It should still be a part of school life though imo

maman

pigpen wrote: »

It is rather like a zumba/yoga class from what the girls have said.. I figured that counts as exercise .. mixture of dance and stretches.

Dunroamin wrote: »

And they do that four times a week - what a waste.

I disagree. As has been said, one of the purposes of PE at school is to introduce pupils to sport and exercise. So, yes, some may become elite athletes but if the others move to adult life with the habit of going to a dance/exercise class every week then that's great.

moneysaymoneydo

I think PE is also good for co-ordination as well as the health aspect of it.

My children have 3 sessions per week at school and i think (Scotland) 3 sessions is now compulsory, although dont quote me im not sure what state schools are.

moneysaymoneydo

And just wondering the parents that think its a waste of time, what about religious education being taught is that also a waste if we dont believe in any religion? just curious!

Counting_Pennies_2

Lotus-eater wrote: »

This is something I don't worry about, schools have enough to do without checking the kids have enough exercise.
That should be down to the parents and I'm sorry for all the kids whose parents don't care, but that's not my problem.

You say your kids get enough exercise out of school, so why the worry?

Because sitting in a stuffy classroom all day with no activity is not good for them. With rained off play, they sit and watch DVDs at break and lunch. Apart from their walk to school they are not getting any movement, they are just sat at their desks and to me this is not good enough.

Lunar_Eclipse

Lotus-eater wrote: »

nor a reason my kids should be short changed on a decent school life.

I think PE is an essential component to a decent school life. Are you saying differently?

I think the KS1 & 2 guidelines are 2 lessons a week. My Y6 child has 2 double lessons a week. Personally, I think learning would be significantly enhanced if children of primary school age (at least) participated in some form of active lesson daily, ideally sports based. Obviously there would be health benefits too (obesity?)

There is usually more PE in private schools, generally speaking. Some do it every day, especially boys schools. If you have a look at our top professional sports people, the majority (I seem to recall 75-80% ish quoted during the Olympics) were privately educated, despite the fact only 7% of the population are in private schools.

Lunar_Eclipse

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

Because sitting in a stuffy classroom all day with no activity is not good for them.

Exactly!

There's also no reason why they can't chant their times tables, for example, whilst also being physical.

minimoneysaver

PE is taught in schools in order harness childrens range of physical activity, including tennis, golf, football, throwing games, catching, running and sometimes includes ice-skating and swimming etc.

This range of sport throughout the year helps children try out new sports, that may not have had a chance to have a go at. It also gives children confidence and helps them to learn to work in a team.

During a PE lesson the teacher is encouraging the children to use their bodies correctly. An example of this is showing children to kick a football with the inner foot, rather than the tip of the toes. The teacher will be working closely with the children, predominantly on their gross motor skills, which are near impossible to observe in a classroom. This enables the teacher to be able to work with external agencies if the child is seen to be having problems with balance etc.

PE lessons aren't there too show up the child, or make them feel bad. They are a chance to have fun, get fit and learn new skills.